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Smart Motorways Criticized as Unsafe and Ineffective

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

National Highways finds most smart motorway schemes in England, including M1, M4, M6, and M25, are poor or very poor value for money.
Only one scheme on the M25 showed positive results.
The Automobile Association criticized the programs as a catastrophic waste of time, money, and effort.
Forty-seven percent of motorists feel anxious using smart motorways.
Critics call for the return of hard shoulders to improve safety.

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Story summary

National Highways finds most smart motorway schemes in England, including M1, M4, M6, and M25, are poor or very poor value for money.
Only one scheme on the M25 showed positive results.
The Automobile Association criticized the programs as a catastrophic waste of time, money, and effort.
Forty-seven percent of motorists feel anxious using smart motorways.
Critics call for the return of hard shoulders to improve safety.