Smart Motorways — [Mr Phillip Hollobone in the Chair]

Welcomed the Transport Committee's report on smart motorways, focusing on stopped vehicle detection technology as a critical factor for road safety. Emphasised the importance of addressing concerns about the safety of roads and smart motorways through technological advancements.

He questioned whether National Highways' £27.4 billion budget this year might be enough, suggesting instead that there may be a lack of focus on safety needs. Mr Loder questioned the number of deaths that must occur before National Highways prioritises safety and highlighted issues with stopped-vehicle detection technology. He called for a proper safety regulator to hold organisations like National Highways accountable, citing ORR's limited focus on highways safety. Pressed the Minister on health and safety assessments by the Office of Rail and Road, suggesting that there is a fundamental problem with prioritising safety within National Highways and asking for a regulatory role for road safety within ORR.

Mr Morris commended the work of the Chair and the Transport Committee, highlighting the risks associated with smart motorways and expressing concern over the roll-out despite evidence of serious flaws. He cited statistics, such as an increase in deaths from 5 to 15 between 2017 and 2019 on motorways without permanent hard shoulders, and questioned the adequacy of safety measures implemented thus far. Asked for clarification regarding the necessity of stopped vehicle detection technology in making all-lane running motorways safe, expressing concern that retrofitting safety-critical systems might not be prioritised if Ministers believe such lanes can operate safely without SVD. Inquired about statistics regarding accidents on smart motorways caused by broken-down vehicles, asking the Minister to clarify her view on the retrofitting of stopped-vehicle technology. Noted the successful implementation of smart motorway technology on the M42 and called for better driver awareness.

As the former roads Minister, I raised concerns about the frequency of refuges on motorways. It is crucial for motorists' safety that these refuges come more frequently, especially on all lane running motorways where people need to be able to get off the road without delay. Mr Hayes raised concerns about the confusion surrounding smart motorways, particularly regarding all lane running and what drivers should do in case of breakdowns. He highlighted that hard shoulders are not always a solution and suggested refuges as an alternative for emergency stops. Mr Hayes also stressed the need for better governance and accountability within National Highways to ensure Ministers have the power to direct actions when necessary. Asked the Minister to look again at support and funding for connecting roads in Lincolnshire, highlighting their importance in terms of capacity and safety.

To start the debate, it is important to highlight that the smart motorway scheme aims to manage traffic congestion, particularly in crowded parts of our motorway network during peak hours. The M42 smart motorway has shown positive results in delivering more predictable journey times, reduced fuel use and pollution, along with lower accident rates. He warned about conflating smart motorways and all lane running motorways, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between them. He pointed out that there are working examples such as the M42 near Birmingham, which is crucial for the local economy. Discussed issues related to the M42, seeking improved awareness and understanding among drivers.

Mark Fletcher expressed concerns about the effectiveness of smart motorways on his constituency's M1 stretch, particularly junctions 28 to 30. He noted frequent traffic jams and near-misses, citing safety issues and economic impacts due to congestion. He also mentioned that some motorway junctions are not fit for purpose, leading to significant detrimental effects on the local economy. Led a passionate campaign for improvements on his section of the M1 between junctions 28 and 30, highlighting safety concerns.

Sir David Amess thanked Merriman for his efforts in addressing concerns about smart motorways, suggesting that if previous recommendations had been followed, the current situation might be different. He supports the need to focus on safety measures and questioned whether Highways England followed independent advice from the Office of Rail and Road.

Emphasised the importance of places to stop in emergencies on motorways, highlighting connectivity challenges.

The Labour party welcomes the Transport Secretary's announcement to pause the roll-out of smart motorways but highlights serious safety concerns. Since 2016, there have been at least 38 deaths on smart motorways due to inadequate safety systems and lack of hard shoulders. The distance between emergency refuge areas is far above what should be considered safe, with near misses rising twentyfold since the removal of a hard shoulder in April 2014.