Smart Motorways
Motorways across England are gradually changing. There is now an increased number of Electronic Variable Message Signs (VMSs) being used to guide motorists along the motorways.
It’s important to understand our Smart Motorways, why they are there, what they actually do and what they mean.
Electronic Variable Message Signs are used to:
- Manage heavy traffic
- Warn motorists of an accident ahead
- Inform motorists of what lanes are safe to use
- Inform motorists of speed limits
- Encourage motorists to use the hard shoulder during times of an incident
How are they controlled?
CCTV cameras are used by Highways Agency regional control centres to assess the situations on the motorways. This information is then used to decide appropriate speed restrictions, lane closures and hard shoulder openings. On Smart Motorways such information is then displayed overhead on VMSs.
Types of Smart Motorways:
Controlled motorway
A controlled motorway is a motorway with variable mandatory speed limits which are displayed on Controlled Motorway Indicators (CMIs). CMIs are mounted above each lane to inform motorists of the speed limit, as shown in the image below
Image from Highways England
All lane running
For all lane running there is no hard shoulder. Every lane of the motorway is to be used. In the event of a breakdown, accident or any other type of emergency, motorists should pull over in the designated refuge areas which are located every 2.5km. Refuge areas can be found on the M25 J23-27 and M25 J5-6/7 for example.
Image from Highways England
Hard shoulder running
Some motorways will have a hard shoulder that can be opened in cases of an emergency or during busy times. Motorists are made aware of when the hard shoulder may be used and when it should not be used by displaying this on VMSs overhead.
Image from Highways England
Red X
When you see a red X symbol over a lane on the motorway, do NOT use that lane! The red X is used when a particular lane has been closed due to an incident or because people are working on the road. It’s important to be extra vigilant when the red X is shown and to move over to an open lane as safe and quickly as possible.
There are two types of red X symbols on the motorway and can be found:
On a gantry sign above the motorway, such as this:
Image from Highways England
On a gantry sign at the side of the motorway, such as this:
Image from Highways England
The different types of Smart Motorways and where they can be found:
Image from gov.co.uk
Disclaimer: the sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.
You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Devitt accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.