Edmund King, AA president, said: “For the last decade we
have been campaigning to improve the design and safety of ‘smart’
motorways. The measures announced by the Transport Secretary
today are a victory for common sense and safety.
“The original M42 managed motorway pilot in 2006 with
Emergency refuge Areas (ERAs) every 500m worked well but after
that the goalposts were moved and the roll-out began with ERAs at
every 2500m (1.5 miles).
“We have campaigned ever since to double the number of
ERAs. Today we have the commitment that moves their spacing from
the original of 1.5 miles to three quarters (0.75) of a mile
where feasible.
“The fact that 38% of breakdowns happen in live lanes on
smart motorways means drivers have been at risk. Tragically
people have lost their lives, and in some cases coroners have
indicated this could have been avoided.
“No driver wants to be stuck in a live lane with nowhere to
go; at best it is incredibly distressing, at worst it can be
fatal.
“We are committed to ensuring smart motorways work for
drivers and that drivers understand how to use them.
“We applaud the current Transport Secretary, MP, for instigating the review
and taking this issue very seriously. We believe the intention to
place ERAs at every three-quarters of a mile is a great outcome
and what we have called for over the last decade.
“The level of commitment and bravery shown by the families
of those who have died, like Meera Naran, is outstanding and
should be recognised.
“Together with Stopped Vehicle Detection, more resources to
monitor the motorways and a high-profile information campaign
this should help make these motorways even safer.”
Specifically, the AA had called for:
-
Double the number of ERAs by reducing spacing of ERAs from
1.5-mile and 1.0-mile standards to 0.75 miles and retrofit where
practical.
-
Retrofit latest and best Stopped Vehicle Detection (SVD) system
on all stretches of ALR as soon as possible.
-
End Dynamic Hard Shoulder schemes and on existing stretches
revert to a permanent hard shoulder or All Lane Running if
adequate ERAs/SVD.
-
Launch a major DfT Think! driver education programme with help
from motoring organisations.
-
Increased number of Highways England Traffic Officers and
Regional Control Centre staff.
-
Improve deployment and speed of Red X signs after notification of
incident.
-
Enforce Red X infringements via camera
