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RAC Calls for Reinstatement of Hard Shoulders on Smart Motorways

The RAC has intensified its campaign against smart motorways, citing safety concerns and a high number of fatalities linked to the absence of hard shoulders.

Overview

  • The RAC urges the government to either convert existing smart motorways to dynamic ones or reintroduce permanent hard shoulders.
  • Prime Minister Rishi Sunak halted all new smart motorway projects last year due to financial constraints and public safety concerns.
  • A National Highways report indicates that smart motorways without hard shoulders are three times more likely to witness breakdown-related accidents than those with emergency lanes.
  • Recent polling shows that 70% of drivers favor the return of hard shoulders on existing smart motorways.
  • The Department for Transport acknowledges the safety concerns, with ongoing investments to improve existing smart motorways, including adding emergency areas.