Critics argue that laybys should be much closer together and that radar systems should be in place to ensure that broken-down cars, trucks and vans are spotted automatically AlamyThe rollout of smart motorways has been suspended pending the outcome of a major safety review, the transport secretary said today. Stretches of smart motorway currently under construction “will not be opening” until new safety measures have been introduced, Grant Shapps said. He also hinted that the entire programme — where the hard shoulder is stripped out to create an extra vehicle lane — could be scrapped unless the government is satisfied that they are “as safe, if not safer” than conventional motorways. The comments place a question mark over four smart motorway schemes that were due to open in the coming months. The projects, collectively covering more than 40 miles, are nearing completion and were due to open by March or April this year.

Source: The Times January 30, 2020 12:00 UTC