A coroner has warned that smart motorways are putting lives at risk after a father was killed when a lorry ploughed into his car where there was no hard shoulder.
Summary:
A coroner has warned that smart motorways are putting lives at risk after Kevin O'Reilly, 58, died when a lorry ploughed into his stranded car on a section of the M6 with no hard shoulder. The coroner recommended that Highways England take action to prevent future deaths, noting that emergency refuge areas were spaced 1.6 miles apart and all lanes were open to traffic without monitoring. Since 2010, at least 80 people have died on smart motorways, leading to public calls for safer designs, including reinstating hard shoulders. In 2023, the government halted new smart motorway projects due to public concern and cost issues. National Highways has 56 days to respond to the coroner's warning, emphasizing their commitment to safety but facing scrutiny over past incidents. The coroner's call for detailed action or explanation underscores ongoing concerns about smart motorway safety.
Why Many See It as 'Deeply Misguided':
The situation is seen as deeply misguided because it reflects a conflict between the government's focus on improving traffic flow through smart motorways and the inherent safety risks they pose. The prioritization of efficiency over safety has led to public distrust and demands for changes, highlighting a misstep in balancing transportation goals with human safety.
