People’s lives are advancing every day with new technology changes. Our experts will talk about everything you need to know about smart motorways.
You will likely have experienced the smart motorway if you have traveled on the motorway not long ago. The National Highways owned by the government have built smart motorways to manage the traffic flow without extra cost compared to a traditional motorway.
The cost-effective smart motorways have been developed to avoid building extra lanes. Smart motorways don’t have a hard shoulder in case of emergency. Many people are concerned that this can be dangerous and risk to motorist’s life.
In this blog, we will explain what is a smart motorway. Signs to watch out and top tips if your vehicle breaks down on a smart motorway. After reading this article, you will have a good knowledge of smart motorways when you drive next time on one.
What is a Smart Motorway
A smart motorway is part of a motorway that uses automated traffic management sensors and cameras to keep the flow of traffic. This traffic management system responds in real-time to any incidents, or roadworks and adjusts the speed limit automatically to avoid congestion.
A smart motorway is monitored by control rooms. They have a map of smart motorways and can see well ahead and set lane closures and speed limits from the control room.
Speed limits can vary on smart motorways to avoid congestion. The speed limit is an order, motorists must follow that speed limit to avoid penalties and fines. Whereas temporary speed limit used to be an advisory on old-style motorways.
Radars, cameras, and sensors assess the traffic and set the automatic speed limit, and lane closures for any incidents on the motorway ahead. They also open the hard shoulder if needed.
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Signs on Smart Motorway
Smart motorway signs provide drivers information with about overhead traffic signs. These signs are normally separated into two sections:
Lane Signs
Single-lane signs are small over each lane. They give information to the motorists if the lane is closed or not. You must not drive in the lane if it shows a Red ‘X’ sign above the lane. You will see the speed limit sign if the lane is open. Motorists must follow these signs to avoid penalty points and fines.
Large Signs
Larger overhead signs give overall information about the motorway ahead. For example ‘slow down’ or ‘expected delays’ on the carriageway ahead.
Is Smart Motorway Safe
The government has decided to collect 5 years of smart motorway safety data before further smart motorway schemes. The decision has been made since the Transport Committee raised safety concerns over the smart motorway.
National Highways have introduced multiple campaigns to create awareness among motorists on the use of smart motorways. They are also making more emergency areas on smart motorways for broken-down vehicles.
Broken Down on a Smart Motorway
If Possible motorists should try to get to an Emergency Refuge Area. Come out of the vehicle from the left side and stay behind the barriers. Drivers and passengers should stay away from their vehicles even in rain, dark, and cold. Contact National Highways through the nearest emergency phone at the emergency refuge area. Also, contact your breakdown cover provider.
Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on if you break down in the middle or right lane of a smart motorway. Call 999 immediately instead of National Highways so they close that lane for traffic.
Driving Instructors Wellingborough
Also, an important reminder at the end that do not use your phone when driving. We hope this information will be helpful whenever you travel on the motorway. Contact our driving instructors Wellingborough if you need more information about smart motorways or need manual or automatic driving lessons in Wellingborough area.
