Sarah Champion MP Responds to Announcement that New Smart Motorway Projects are to be Cancelled

“The decision not to proceed with new smart motorway schemes is a welcome one.  I have worked for years in Parliament to highlight the risks of these deadly roads and I am delighted that no new all lane running roads will be constructed.’ 

‘This is a testament to the work of campaigners like Claire Mercer, who, in the face of her own tragic loss has worked tirelessly to improve safety for all of us.’ 

‘While I am pleased that new smart motorways will not be built, this does nothing to address the serious concerns about existing roads, including the M1 in Rotherham.’ 

‘Removing the hard shoulder greatly increases risks to motorists. Technology that is supposed to keep us safe is ineffective and unreliable.’ 

‘The Government should commit immediately to restoring the hard shoulder across the motorway network and I will continue to fight until they do.”