Smart motorways could be ‘even more deadly’ as speed cameras suffer from ‘anomalies’

The cameras are designed to interact with variable speed limit signs on a limited number of A-roads and motorways, although the issue caused a “slight delay”.

A report from the Department for Transport and National Highways warned that the delay in changing speed signs may result in some drivers being incorrectly detected as speeding.

The anomaly was detected in 154 HADECS cameras deployed on 10 per cent of the strategic road network.

It is estimated that this led to approximately 2,650 total erroneous activations on impacted roads since 2021.

The report explained that not all activations are enforced, so these drivers may not have been issued with fines.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that a review into the camera issues should be completed within 18 weeks after the review.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, AA President Edmund King said road safety experts were still waiting for the review 10 months later.

He added: “Motorists must have absolute confidence that motorway technology is accurate, reliable and properly tested, especially on ‘smart’ motorways that rely on technology and variable speeds.

“It is particularly concerning that the technical solution is apparently still undergoing testing almost a year after the problem was identified.”

The Government announced in April 2023 that it would scrap all new smart motorways under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

All plans for new smart motorways were cancelled in response to the “current lack of public confidence felt by drivers” and rising costs.

This included 11 already paused under the second Road Investment Strategy (2020 to 2025) and three earmarked for construction during the third Road Investment Strategy (2025 to 2030).

Speaking at the time, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said drivers deserved to have confidence in the roads they use.

The latest delay to the review into smart motorways has caused concern among politicians and road safety organisations.

Shadow Transport Minister Greg Smith called on ministers to take responsibility for the issues and ensure the systems work properly again.

“It’s clear that this has potentially made smart motorways even more deadly. Labour needs to get a grip,” the Conservative MP said.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Speeding offences continue to be detected and prosecuted.

“A range of enforcement measures are in place to help keep road users safe. A fix for the impacted cameras is going through rigorous testing.”