Smart motorways

On some sections of motorway, technology is in place to reduce congestion and improve your journey times. These roads are known as ‘smart motorways’. The technology is also referred to as active traffic management (ATM). Smart motorways use traffic management technology to vary speed limits as traffic volume increases. Drivers may also be allowed to use the hard shoulder as an extra lane during busy periods.

Types of smart motorway

Controlled motorway

Controlled motorways have three or more lanes, with variable speed limits shown on overhead signs. These speed limits are shown inside a red circle and are legally enforceable. The hard shoulder on controlled motorways should only be used in an emergency.

All-lane running

On a smart motorway converted to all-lane running, the hard shoulder is permanently used as an extra lane. Refuge areas with emergency telephones are provided at least every 2500 metres, in case of an emergency or breakdown, and drivers receive regular information updates via overhead signs. The signs display information on the current mandatory variable speed limits, as well as indicating whether lanes are closed.

Dynamic hard shoulder

Sections of smart motorway with a dynamic hard shoulder use the hard shoulder to provide extra capacity during busy periods. The hard shoulder is marked with a solid white line and drivers are only allowed to use it as a running Section eleven | Motorway driving

lane when the overhead signs say it’s available. If the sign above the hard shoulder displays a red X or is blank, you must only enter it in an emergency.

Driving on a smart motorway

• Overhead signs display speed limits to manage traffic and give information about incidents or driving conditions. They also tell you which lanes are available for you to use. Obey the signs; they’re there to keep the traffic moving.
• Red crosses are used to show when lanes, including the hard shoulder, shouldn’t be used. When you see a red X above a lane, don’t drive in that lane.
• If a speed limit is displayed directly above the hard shoulder, you can drive on it. If you see a red X or no speed limit displayed above the hard shoulder, you should only use it in an emergency or breakdown.

What to do in a breakdown

If you have a problem with your vehicle when you’re driving on a smart motorway, you should try to leave at the next exit or pull into a motorway service area. If you can’t leave the motorway, then you should stop in one of the emergency refuge areas, where you’ll be able to call for help using the roadside telephone. If it’s not possible to do any of these things, try to get your vehicle off the carriageway and onto the verge or hard shoulder – if one is available.

You should

• switch on your hazard warning lights so that you can be seen more easily by other drivers and anyone coming out to help
• exit the vehicle by the left-hand door and wait behind the barrier if you’re able to do so.

If, for any reason, you can’t get to where it’s safe to exit the vehicle, or you don’t feel it’s safe to do so, stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on. If you have a mobile phone, dial 999.

By making a few simple checks, like making sure you have enough fuel, checking and replacing worn or damaged tyres, and servicing your vehicle regularly, you can greatly reduce the chances of breaking down during your journey.