Pause to smart motorway rollout welcomed

The Department for Transport 's decision to put on hold the roll-out of new all-lane smart motorways has been welcomed by the Road Haulage Association.

The rollout of smart motorways has been suspended until at least 2025 in response to safety concerns from MPs and motoring groups.

Schemes to convert stretches of the M3, M25, M62 and M40 will be put on ice until five years ' worth of safety data from the controversial roads are available, ministers said.

The decision was announced alongside an additional £900m in safety measures for existing all-lane running motorways (ALR).

An investment of £390 million in 150 additional emergency areas for drivers will also be put in place, creating a 50 per cent increase in places to stop by 2025.

The RHA 's executive director, policy and public affairs, Rod McKenzie (pictured), said: “The RHA supports smart motorways as they reduce congestion and pollution by keeping traffic moving.

“But the advantages of all-lane running must never outweigh safety. It 's vital that safety comes first so this pause is welcome as is additional funding for upgrading safety measures on existing all-lane running motorways.

“It is also crucial that these safety measures include better education about the use of smart motorways for all road users. ”