National Highways has responded to recent media reports that state smart motorways have a vehicle breakdown rate ‘nearly three times higher than conventional motorways’.

Unlike other roads, smart motorways have technology in place to identify stopped vehicles, including breakdowns, meaning that more breakdowns are identified on smart motorways compared to other road types.

These statistics, published in PA Media’s news story and based on an FOI, are not a reliable indicator of actual safety, says the agency.

“Our latest analysis continues to show that overall, smart motorways remain our safest roads. We have upgraded the technology to detect stopped vehicles, improved response times to live lane breakdowns and installed more than 150 additional emergency areas, giving people a place to pull over if they break down.

“Two of the top three causes of breakdowns are tyre issues and empty fuel tanks. That’s why we are encouraging drivers to plan ahead and take a few simple steps to make journeys easier and safer.”

(Pic: National Highways)