SIR: Ever since 'smart motorways' were introduced, there have been serious concerns regarding their safety by all motoring organisations including the AA and RAC (Chronicle, January 28).
Highways England seem to be able to present favourable facts in favour of 'smart motorways'. To quote an excerpt by a Highways England spokesman '...an evidence 'stocktake' report found that in most ways 'smart motorways' are as safe, or safer than conventional ones'. And continuing, 'M3 'smart motorways' provide reliable and safe journeys to drivers who depend on it every day'.
A coroner in Yorkshire criticised the 'smart' concept following two men being killed due to the lack of a hard shoulder.
Highways England should be open to prosecution for this blatant lack of reality against all who have the common sense and fear of death when unable to use a hard shoulder.
Environmental damage and noise levels and the idea that trees and bushes would only be removed 'when absolutely necessary' leaves it wide open for interpretation and destruction.
Words may be cheap, but lives are not.
Simon Lever,
Juniper Close,
Badger Farm
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