The head of National Highways’ Smart Highways Programme Alliance, Tony Slater, is stepping down from the role, fuelling speculation that NH are considering winding up the Alliance in the wake of the decision to curtail the Smart motorway programme over safety fears, Construction Enquirer is reporting.

Slater, who is to take up a senior position “elsewhere in the industry” has been closely involved with smart motorways since 2018, initially with Balfour Beatty in its smart motorways team before joining National Highways in 2020.

He said: “I’m not going anywhere just yet, and will be around for a few months longer. While I don’t know at this time who will be taking over from me – further details will be revealed in due course.

“This decision has not been easy, and is certainly not a reflection on SMP Alliance, or National Highways. I care deeply about the Alliance, and particularly the people. I’ve relished the opportunity it has given me, even with the immensely challenging environment we’ve all faced with significant changes to our scope and programme of works.”