New Smart Motorways Scrapped Amid Cost Woes and Safety Fears
The government has called time on plans for brand-new smart motorways. Rising costs and a serious lack of driver confidence have forced ministers to pull the plug on these controversial road projects.
What’s Being Axed?
- 11 smart motorways already paused under the 2020-2025 Road Investment Strategy will now be cancelled.
- 3 more schemes scheduled for 2025-2030 are also being dropped.
- These cancellations could save over £1 billion in construction costs.
Existing smart motorways aren’t being abandoned though. They’ll benefit from a hefty £900 million safety boost to improve emergency areas and install better stopped vehicle detection tech.
Why the U-Turn?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insisted the decision was about putting drivers first. He said:
“All drivers deserve to have confidence in the roads they use to get around the country. That’s why last year I pledged to stop the building of all new smart motorways, and today I’m making good on that promise.”
“Many people rely on driving to get to work, take their children to school and go about their daily lives. I want them to do so with full confidence that the roads they drive on are safe.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper added:
“We want the public to know this government is listening to their concerns. Today’s announcement means no new smart motorways will be built, recognising the lack of public confidence and rising inflation pressures.”
Safety Campaigners Welcome Move
Meera Naran, who lost her son in an M6 motorway crash, praised the government’s new stance:
“Since campaigning for the 18-point action plan, the £900 million safety commitment and pause on rollouts, there’s been a lot of joined-up thinking leading to this decision.”
“I thank ministers for working with me towards a mutual goal in memory of my son, Dev.”
What’s Next?
- The government will finish ongoing projects like M56 J6-8 and M6 J21a-26, already over 75% complete.
- £900 million will fund new emergency refuge areas and upgrade vehicle detection systems on existing smart motorways.
- Clearer guidance for drivers using smart motorways will continue.
The smart motorway era isn’t over yet—but any new roads without hard shoulders are firmly off the cards for now.
