Trade groups welcome DfT smart motorway assurances
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has praised the government for its response to a House of Commons transport select committee report, which it says has addressed its concerns about management and signalling on so-called ‘smart’ motorways.
The smart motorway system utilises active traffic management technology, increasing capacity to keep vehicles moving by either temporarily or permanently opening the hard shoulder to traffic – known as all-lane running (ALR).
FTA had raised concerns with Highways England over levels of driver compliance with the ‘Red X’ signals – which are displayed above smart motorways and other major routes to identify when a lane is closed – and proper management of the signal systems on smart motorways.
But the association had argued that, rather than denying road users the efficiency benefits of smart motorways, the emphasis should be on educating drivers regarding their safe use, the signs’ meaning, and what to do in a breakdown scenario.
In its response to the MPs’ report, the Department for Transport (DfT) said it would amend legislation to enable the use of automated detection to enforce driver non-compliance with Red X signals, complementing existing powers of manual enforcement.
To help manage the problem in the interim, DfT added, Highways England had developed a detection system to help the police identify non-compliant drivers and issue targeted warning letters.
The government also addressed concerns around emergency refuge areas (ERAs) for vehicles in trouble, pointing out that Highways England had commissioned a live-lane stop analysis to help inform optimum ERA spacing patterns, as well as a review of ERA signage.
“FTA recognises the importance of looking at the safety aspects of vehicles coming to a halt in a live lane,” said Malcolm Bingham, FTA head of road network management policy.
“But this is something that could happen even with a hard shoulder as vehicle faults can occur anywhere, and there must be a system to deal with such occurrences, particularly on busy sections of motorway.
“The government’s evidence on schemes already built show that there is also growing positive evidence of the safety of ALR.”
FTA added that it would continue to collaborate with Highways England on ensuring any training packages produced were relevant to drivers of commercial vehicles.
“Bringing forward an effective deterrent is vital to ensure safety on our motorways,” added Jack Sample, Road Haulage Association (RHA) policy director.
“DfT action to make it clear why compliance with Red Xs is important. The intermediate step of writing warning letters is also welcome.
“ALR is hugely important if we are to help make productivity gains in the UK economy. It is absolutely right that the DfT and Highways England maintain continuing dialogue with the [transport select] committee and with organisations such as the RHA and we welcome the commitment to do so.”
He continued: “The review of ERAs and assurance that any design improvements identified will be applied to those already built should reassure road users that the ALR programme will give us better use of the motorways without compromising safety.
“It is right that Highways England presses ahead with its programme.”
