The smart motorway network in England faces frequent malfunctions, according to research conducted by the BBC. Data obtained by BBC Panorama revealed numerous occurrences where critical safety equipment was out of service. National Highways, the authority in charge of smart motorways, claims that based on the latest figures, smart motorways are the country’s safest roads. It emphasizes that safety is its top priority and that it has well-rehearsed contingency plans in place to deal with power outages.
However, a new report will be aired on Monday, investigating fundamental concerns regarding the smart motorway infrastructure, such as the spacing between emergency stopping areas and upgrading radar detection technologies to improve reliability and accuracy. The review will also issue recommendations on how to reduce the likelihood of drivers stranded in live lanes, a dangerous characteristic of smart motorway systems.
Supporters said that smart roadways saved motorists time by reducing congestion and maintaining the speed limit throughout the day. They are allegedly two times safer than traditional motorways because of TV cameras and technology that monitor the speed and weight of traffic. However, critics claimed that converting permanent hard shoulders into extra driving lines was dangerous, especially if a car broke down, and a driver was trapped.
Last year, there were at least 38 deaths recorded on smart motorways in England over the last five years, according to an investigation by the BBC’s Panorama program. Concerns were also raised by a survey, conducted by the RAC, which suggested over six out of ten drivers think smart motorways with no hard shoulders are dangerous. Many argued that these roadways should be used as a research platform to provide reliable data in order to promote safer roads on a global scale
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