Measures announced to improve safety on smart motorways - RAC reaction

Reacting to the news that no new stretches of 'all lane running' smart motorway will open without new radar technology to spot stranded vehicles, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said:

“We welcome the Government’s commitment that no smart motorway will open without the important stopped vehicle detection technology as this should improve safety significantly.

“While it appears good progress is being made on implementing some of the changes the Government promised last year, we are concerned that drivers will still need to wait up to 18 months before all cameras are enforcing ‘red X’ lane closed signs. Enforcement is vital in getting all drivers to obey these signs as anyone who disregards them is at a much greater risk of being in collision with a stranded vehicle.

“With the Government seemingly committed to all lane running smart motorways, it is imperative they’re made as safe as possible by using all the technology and highway design features at their disposal.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Margins on fuel remain historically high - RAC reaction
Following the publication of the latest road fuel update report from the Competition and Markets Authority, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC reacts to latest road casualty data for Great Britain
On average, four people killed and 76 seriously injured on the roads every day
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Number of roads policing officers falls by more than 1,000 in 10 years
Looking at police out on the roads, the RAC found the reduction is even greater
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 UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk