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Roads Update
12 January 2022
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Transport
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses motorway safety, particularly focusing on smart motorways and the government's action plan.
Action Requested
The minister announces a pause in the roll-out of ALR smart motorways until sufficient safety data is available. Additionally, recommendations include upgrading existing ALR schemes with best-in-class technology and resources during this period, pausing conversions of Dynamic Hard Shoulder to ALR smart motorways, retrofitting Emergency Areas, conducting an independent evaluation of stopped vehicle detection technology, exploring the introduction of emergency corridor manoeuvre into the Highway Code, and investigating health and safety assessments.
Key Facts
- The stocktake of smart motorways was ordered as one of the first actions by the Transport Secretary.
- The Transport Committee’s report published on 2 November 2021 welcomed this action.
- A Stocktake and Action Plan focused on upgrading the safety of smart motorways, particularly All Lane Running (ALR) schemes.
- The roll-out of future ALR smart motorway schemes will be paused until a full 5 years’ worth of safety data is available.
- National Highways will take immediate steps to implement these actions.
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