The body has issued its latest plans as part of an annual review, published this week, which outlines how it will change the controversial smart motorways. The changes, listed below, have been published by Highways England and affect smart motorways including the M1 and the M62.
7. Making emergency areas more visible
Making emergency areas more visible – all emergency areas will have a bright orange road surface, better signs on approach showing where they are, and signs within them giving information on what to do. These will be installed by the end of spring 2020.
8. Making emergency areas more visible
Making emergency areas more visible – all emergency areas will have a bright orange road surface, better signs on approach showing where they are, and signs within them giving information on what to do. These will be installed by the end of spring 2020.
9. More money on awareness campaigns
More communication with drivers by improving public information, spending £5 million extra to further increase public awareness and understanding of smart motorways and how to use them confidently. We will ensure drivers receive advice to help them keep safe on smart motorways, including advice on what to do in a breakdown.
10. Using digital cameras to enforce Red X signs on lanes
Completing the upgrade of digital enforcement cameras across the smart motorway network, enabling Red X signs to be enforced.
11. Emergency stop places & satnav directions
Displaying places to stop in an emergency on your satnav by working with satnav providers to ensure that places to stop in an emergency, such as emergency areas, are shown on the screen of the device when needed. 13 Making it easier to call for help if broken down by working with car manufacturers to build greater awareness and understanding of ‘eCall’ functionality, which is standard in all new cars from April 2018.
12. Displaying obstructions on overhead signs
Displaying ‘report of obstruction’ messages automatically on electronic signs to warn oncoming drivers of a stopped vehicle ahead.