A MOTORING organisation has voiced safety concerns after plans for a new £244 million smart motorway were revealed.

The AA says it’s “only a matter of time” before a death occurs when the upgrades to the M27 are finished.

The scheme to convert the hard shoulder from junctions four (M3 link) to 11 (Fareham and Gosport) of the M27 into a live lane has come under fire from the driving organisation, which says that drivers are less likely to use lane one out of fear of coming across a broken down vehicle.

But Highways England says drivers around the UK are already using the new motorways without safety being adversely affected.

It comes as plans for the upgrade were revealed by Highways England with work due to start in August this year.

They say technology will reduce congestion by up to 33 per cent and estimate that daily vehicle use is set to rise from 140,000 vehicles a day now to 170,000 vehicles in 2033.

In the new plans, emergency laybys every 1.2 miles will be painted orange and fitted with a emergency phone.

Speed cameras will be placed along the 15 mile stretch and drivers will be told what the variable speed limit is via signs installed on gantries.

The works, along with improvements on the M3, will mean five years of traffic misery for Hampshire drivers – with works at junction ten of the M3 due to start next year and end in 2023.

AA spokesman Jack Cousens said he would like emergency laybys on the M27 to be 875 yards apart.

He said: “Our members have broken down on a live lane on smart motorways and vulnerable vehicles have been hit.

“Fortunately these have not resulted in any severe accidents.

“However, it could only be a matter of time before a fatality occurs.”

He added that a survey of up to 18,000 AA members showed that drivers were less likely to use lane one and said: “Why install them if they are not going to be used?”

Work will be completed in six phases from November this year, according to Highways England’s John Henderson.

He said: “Smart motorways are designed with safety in mind and the evidence from operating them shows that they have successfully improved journeys while maintaining high levels of safety.”

The Taxpayers’ Alliance chief executive John O’Connell said: “Most would prefer that investment focus on sorting out filling in potholes rather than huge spending on more speed cameras.”

The public can view the new plans at the Ageas Bowl from tomorrow.