Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure the safety of users of the M4 motorway following the removal of the hard shoulders, and what arrangements will be made for the emergency services to have urgent and easy access to the motorway in the event of accidents and other incidents.

The M4 Junctions 3 to 12 smart motorway scheme incorporates the following features to ensure safety is maintained:

• 100% CCTV coverage to monitor traffic conditions including during incidents
• Enforcement cameras to improve speed limit compliance which contributes to reducing the risk and severity of incidents
• Emergency Refuge Areas at an average spacing of 1¼ miles as it is likely that the majority of all breakdowns will be able to reach one
• Overhead variable message signs for instructions and information to drivers

This allows Highways England to create an emergency lane or lanes on any lane on the motorway, with signs and signals to provide access for the emergency services or traffic officers.