Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what criteria his Department uses for the spacing of emergency refuge lay-bys on (a) permanent and (b) dynamic all-lane running sections of smart motorways.

The criterion for the spacing of emergency areas for the initial dynamic hard shoulder running pilot scheme on the M42 was set at approximately 500 metres. Based on more operational insight and further performance data, the spacing was progressively increased to a maximum of 1000 metres on all other dynamic hard shoulder running schemes and then to 2500 metres on existing All Lane Running schemes.

Highways England undertook a comprehensive review of smart motorways and found no consistent correlation between the number of live lane stops and the spacing of emergency areas. Nevertheless, Highways England understand motorists want to feel safe and therefore are making a number of changes to the design of emergency areas.

On new schemes, starting construction from 2020 onwards, the maximum spacing of emergency areas will be reduced to 1600 metres (1 mile). Highways England are also enhancing the visibility of emergency areas on all new and existing smart motorways by installing orange surfacing and improved, more frequent signs. These changes are designed to help drivers feel more confident that they can find a safe place to stop in an emergency.