A critical malfunction in smart motorway technology has endangered the lives of numerous motorists nationwide, leading to a comprehensive system shutdown. The failure impacted the stopped vehicle detection (SVD) radar, resulting in a nationwide imposition of a 60mph traffic speed limit as engineers worked urgently to address and resolve the issue.
The malfunction was initially discovered at approximately 4:30 PM on Sunday, between junctions 13 and 15 of the M1. It wasn’t until 1:15 PM on Monday that the system was fully restored, with continuous efforts underway to prevent any future occurrences. This widespread failure prompted all seven regional control centers to be put on alert, as various sections of smart motorways were affected by the issue. These motorways, responsible for converting the hard shoulder into an extra lane, are designed to improve traffic flow and capacity.
A whistleblower, who opted to remain anonymous, expressed their disappointment at National Highways’ failure to disclose the extent of the issue to the public. They stated that stopped vehicle detection had suffered a catastrophic failure over the weekend and into Monday, placing motorists at significant risk. According to the informant, motorists stranded in live lanes were left vulnerable as the safety technology was “down”.
Claire Mercer, the founder of the campaign group Smart Motorways Kill, has raised concerns about the reliability of smart motorways following this recent incident. She emphasized that the technology is only beneficial when it is functioning properly, which seems to be a rare occurrence. Mercer stressed that the public was not adequately informed about the potential dangers they faced due to the malfunction and insisted that the only viable solution is to reinstate the hard shoulder for the safety of all road users.
The use of SVD technology relies on radar to alert National Highways control room staff when a vehicle has come to a stop in a live lane, triggering the activation of a ‘red X’ sign on overhead gantries to notify drivers to avoid the affected lane. Importantly, CCTV is used to closely monitor the situation. However, recent findings by Panorama through a freedom of information request revealed that there were 174 power outages that had significantly impacted essential smart motorway safety equipment in the six months leading up to February 2024.
National Highways responded to the allegations, assuring the public that the stopped vehicle detection systems have been fully reinstated despite the intermittent issues over the weekend. They emphasized that 60mph speed restrictions were implemented as a precaution while they investigated the problem and implemented solutions. Furthermore, they highlighted the existing plans and measures in place to effectively manage such scenarios.
In view of these developments, it is evident that the reliability and safety of smart motorways are facing scrutiny. With numerous incidents underscoring the potential risks to motorists, it is imperative for authorities to address the underlying issues and ensure the proper functioning of these technologies for the safety of all road users. The necessity for transparency and effective communication with the public about significant system failures cannot be overstated.