RMBC reiterates opposition to smart motorways

A MOTION calling for the end of all-lane running smart motorways was passed by Rotherham Council.

 

Members described the system — using the hard shoulder as a live lane — as “fundamentally flawed” and said traffic capacity benefits were outweighed by safety concerns.

The motion at Wednesday's meeting noted that there had been five fatalities in ten months along a converted section of the M1 which runs through the borough.

It added: “The AA, the RAC, the Police Federation, our local MP Sarah Champion, have also expressed serious concerns over the safety of this scheme.”

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, who proposed the motion, said: “These motorways aren’t smart, in fact they are dangerous. 

“This motion reaffirms a position that the council has held since 2013, that smart motorways have serious and potentially fatal consequences. 

“Too many families have had to suffer and we support them in getting this reverted.”