While they continue to prove controversial, smart motorways are now a permanent fixture up and down the country.
It’s crucial UK motorists learn how to use smart motorways correctly and safely. However, many drivers still have their reservations about the Highways England scheme, with two thirds of surveyed motorists voicing safety concerns. But Aspland Self Drive are here to help.
We want you to have a smooth, safe driving experience when you hire a van with us. Therefore, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about smart motorways into this handy blog.
What is a smart motorway?
A smart motorway is a section of a motorway that uses traffic management methods to reduce congestion and increase capacity in particularly busy areas. Often this involves utilising the hard shoulder as a running lane, or varying speed limits to control traffic flow.
In total, there are three types of smart motorways. First, all lane running schemes. In this case, the hard shoulder is permanently converted into a running lane (now known as “lane one”). Any lane closures will be alerted by a red X on the overhead gantry, signalling that you must exit the lane. The gantry will also display the mandatory speed limit, which may vary with traffic conditions.
The second is controlled motorways. These feature three or more lanes with variable speed limits while retaining the hard shoulder for genuine emergencies. Once again, the variable speed limits are displayed on the gantry above. However, if no speed limit is displayed, motorists should simply follow the national speed limit. Speed cameras will be employed to enforce these.
Finally, the dynamic hard shoulder scheme. By utilising the hard shoulder as a running lane during busy periods, Highways England are able to ease congestion. The overhead gantry will indicate whether the hard shoulder is open to traffic; it must not be used if the signs are blank or feature a red X.
Am I more likely to be caught speeding?
Understandably, many motorists have reservations over the sudden change in variable speed limits. Many feel that it’s unsafe, arguing they may fail to reduce their speed in time. What’s more, many have also noted it is now more likely to be caught speeding.
Highways England have confirmed there is a slight delay on speed cameras to accommodate the speed limit change; therefore, there is time for drivers to sensibly reduce their speed before the cameras begin to enforce it. However, they failed to reveal the specific timings of this delay! Err on the side of caution, and remain alert at all times so you can quickly respond to a change in speed limit.
Are smart motorways safe?
As we mentioned before, many drivers have voiced their concerns. Overall, the main argument for safety revolves around the hard shoulder, or indeed the lack of it. Without a hard shoulder, many feel there is nowhere to go if you or your car is in distress.
However, Highways England have noted that, since the first smart motorway opened in 2006, journey reliability has improved by 22%. What’s more, personal injury accidents have been reduced by over 50%, while accident severity was much lower overall, with zero fatalities recorded.
So what do I do if I break down?
Should you break down or suffer an accident while on a smart motorway, Highways England recommend these steps. First, if you are able to reach an emergency refuge area, please do so. Their distinctive blue signs, emblazoned with an orange SOS telephone, clearly highlight their place. In fact, once you enter a smart motorway, you should be roughly 1.5 miles from one at any given time.
If you are unable to enter an emergency refuge area, try to move on to the verge. Please only attempt this if it is safe to do so. Of course, in every eventuality, switch on your hazard lights.
If you stop in the nearside lane, leave your car via the left hand door and wait behind the safety barrier. However, if you are unable to move to the nearside lane, remain in your car with your seat belt secured.
We hope this blog post has proved valuable.
You should now be able to navigate smart motorways with confidence when you hire a van with Aspland Self Drive. All our vans have RAC cover, low cost deposit, and are regally cleaned and assessed by our expert team. Give us a call today on 01603 787811 to find out more!