Transport Focus: Highways England need to equip driver knowledge of smart highways

The UK’s drivers need help to better understand Smart Motorways, Red X signs and breakdown procedures, according to research by Transport Focus, an independent transport user watchdog. Its research showed that safety is not at the forefront of drivers’ minds and few know what to do in the event of a breakdown.
September 28, 2017 Read time: 1 min
The UK’s drivers need help to better understand 5062 Smart Motorways, Red X signs and breakdown procedures, according to research by Transport Focus, an independent transport user watchdog. Its research showed that safety is not at the forefront of drivers’ minds and few know what to do in the event of a breakdown.


The organisation has called on 8101 Highways England to help drivers understand smart motorways’ benefits; reassurance that motorways without hard shoulders are safe (even during a breakdown) and; installation of orange surface and new signage to emergency refuge areas if trials prove successful.

Urban Traffic Control

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Texas moves to prevent wrong-way drivers
    May 30, 2014
    A study has shown the extent and ramifications of wrong way driving and proposed cost-effective countermeasures. Wrong way driving collisions occur relatively infrequently but the results can be devastating. Statistics from the US National Transportation Safety Board, an independent, federal all-modes agency, reveal that wrong way (WW) driving, account for only about 3% of accidents on high-speed divided highways but are much more likely to result in fatal and serious injuries.
    Read More
  • USDoT invites transportation agencies to get Smart for third year in a row
    May 15, 2024
    Established under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, scheme funds $500m in grants over five years
    Read More
  • Activate SwiftSign Remotely
    February 3, 2012
    Versilis has introduced the SwiftSign to provide a safe, fast and easy way to activate traffic signage or message boards remotely. The system comprises a pivoting sign, a solar panel and a control box. Flashing lights can be added to the traffic sign to increase night-time visibility and to catch drivers' attention under specific circumstances such as emergency procedures.
    Read More
  • Increasing road safety with automated driver assistance systems
    January 26, 2012
    Jon Masters looks at how drivers will be trained to use the increasing number of advanced driver assistance systems being incorporated into modern cars
    Read More

Highlighted Content