A very controversial topic, smart motorways have been in the headlines for years. But the rollout has been delayed due to safety concerns. 

There are miles of smart motorways across the UK, but many people are unsure of the rules and how to use them properly. 

 

What is a Smart Motorway?

 

A smart motorway is a stretch of motorway that aims to control traffic through various methods. They aim to increase the capacity of the motorways and reduce congestion. Designed to reduce the environmental impact, time, and cost involved to expand motorways and build additional lanes. 

 

These methods include:

 

  • Variable speed limits 
  • Usage of the hard shoulder as a driveable lane 
  • Red X lanes 
  • CCTV 
  • Sensors to monitor traffic 
  • Digital signage 
  • Speed restrictions and lane closures in the event of an accident 
  • Informative digital signage 

 

Advantages of Smart Motorways 

 

  • Consistency in the expected length of journey times 
  • Lower Co2 levels as vehicles maintain a more consistent speed rather than sitting in congestion 
  • Less congestion with traffic controlling measures means less stress and time for users of the smart motorways 
  • They are cost-effective, allowing for traffic to flow better, without the time & money needed to build an extra lane 
  • Less stress for users, which means happier journeys and safe journeys 

 

Disadvantages of Smart Motorways 

 

  • The distance between refuge areas is much longer than trial distances
  • Refuge areas offer limited space for vehicles getting back into moving traffic lanes 
  • The confusion surrounding the usage and rules of smart motorways means many can be caught out 
  • Usage of the hard shoulder can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach the scene of an accident
  • An emergency or accident in a live lane means can increase the risk of collision

 

Road Traffic Accidents (RTA’s) and making a claim 

 

At Beeston Shenton, we represent the injured party, whether this is a driver of a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or passenger in a vehicle. Our team has experience in representing individuals when they have been injured, plus our advice can also include those who have been in RTA’s which involve multiple vehicles. 

Our service ensures that you have the optimum level of compensation and remuneration for any losses that you have incurred because of the RTA. Claiming for both physical and psychological injuries, and provide you with a medical assessment by a professional. 

 

Contact Us 

Have you been involved in an accident on a smart motorway? Or have you been injured in an RTA? Get in touch with our Personal Injury Experts for more information on making a claim. Call us on 01782 662424 or email us at info@beestonshenton.co.uk