Government cancels all plans for future smart motorways - RAC reaction

Image: Getty. All rights reserved

Reacting to this evening's news, RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said:

"This is a watershed announcement and a victory for everyone who has campaigned against these motorways that, by their design, put drivers in more danger should they be unlucky enough to break down on one.

"Our research shows all lane running smart motorways are deeply unpopular with drivers so we're pleased the Government has finally arrived at the same conclusion. It's now vitally important that plans are made for making the hundreds of existing miles of these types of motorway as safe as possible. The possibility of converting all lane running stretches to the 'dynamic hard shoulder' configuration, where the hard shoulder is open and closed depending on the levels of traffic, could be one option the Government considers."

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Pothole pain persists: Vehicle breakdowns where poor roads were to blame rose 15% last year
RAC patrols attended an average of 71 breakdowns a day because of potholed roads, up from 62 in 2024
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC wins Moneyfacts ‘Car Insurance Provider of Year’ for fifth year in a row
RAC Insurance has won ‘Car Insurance Provider of the Year’ for the fifth consecutive time at the prestigious Moneyfactscompare.co.uk Awards 2026.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Too bright to ignore: More than half of drivers affected by dazzling headlights say the problem is worse this winter than last
Quarter of drivers with adaptive driving beam systems think they increase the risk of dazzle to other road users
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic British motoring organisation and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted brands, providing complete peace of mind to over 15 million drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps motorists find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric‑ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

Contact

media.rac.co.uk