Tunbridge Wells, UK: Better enforcement of rules and more public education, is needed to make smarty motorways works says the Freight Transport Association.
Hauliers recognised that smart motorways can be confusing to even the most experienced drivers, the association says, commenting on a report by BBC Panorama, that raised concerns about the safety of smart motorways.
Chris Yarsley, policy manager for road infrastructure, FTA, said: “As the business group representing the logistics sector, FTA is calling on the government to take measures to improve the safety of smart motorways. FTA’s members have found these roads to be effective in producing more reliable journey times – providing a tangible benefit to the UK economy – but the safety of road users must always take priority.
“FTA welcomes suggestions of increased SOS areas and intelligent radar technology, but consistent and robust enforcement of the rules, and more public education, is what is needed to make them work, in the view of hauliers. Smart motorways can be confusing to even the most experienced drivers.
“By reforming smart motorways and ensuring drivers are comfortable with the way they work, we can ensure the UK benefits from a safer, more effective and efficient road network.”
