What is a smart motorway?
Smart motorways introduce active traffic management, this allows for an increase capacity.
There are currently no plans to introduce more of these motorways. However, there are many smart motorways that are still in place.
Understanding the signs that indicate that you are on a smart motorway will help you to navigate them, and continue to drive safely.
What’s types smart motorway are there?
Controlled Motorway
These motorways have variable speed limits, and three or more lanes. The hard shoulder is emergency use only.
Dynamic Hard Shoulder
The hard shoulder is opened up to traffic at busy times, overhead signs indicate when you can use it. A solid line marking the left side lane is an indicator that you are using this type of motorway.
All Lanes Running
With no hard shoulder, these motorways have emergency areas every 1.6 km or 2.5 km. The overhead signs will show a red X if you cannot use a lane. A dotted line marks the left side lane.