Smart motorways could be 'even more deadly' as speed cameras suffer from 'anomalies'

Smart motorways could be 'even more deadly' as speed cameras suffer from 'anomalies' All new smart motorways were scrapped in 2023 in response to driver concerns Sign up to the Cars Newsletter Email address Sign up I agree to receive updates and information about my account, the GB News Community, and related products and services from GB News. By signing up you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and Community Rules. Thank you for signing up! See the latest from GB News here . Choose GB News on Google - add us as a preferred source Choose GB News Support GB News Champion free speech and independent journalism while unlocking exclusive benefits. Support us Controversial smart motorways are now "more dangerous" than previously believed following concerns about non-functioning cameras. More than 150 Highways Agency Digital Enforcement and Compliance System (HADECS) cameras around England's strategic road network are affected by an "anomaly". The cameras are designed to interact with variable speed limit signs on a limited number of A-roads and motorways, although the issue caused a "slight delay". A report from the Department for Transport and National Highways warned that the delay in changing speed signs may result in some drivers being incorrectly detected as speeding. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The anomaly was detected in 154 HADECS cameras deployed on 10 per cent of the strategic road network. It is estimated that this led to approximately 2,650 total erroneous activations on impacted roads since 2021. The report explained that not all activations are enforced, so these drivers may not have been issued with fines. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that a review into the camera issues should be completed within 18 weeks after the review. New data shows that smart motorways are more dangerous amid camera issues | GETTY Speaking to the Daily Mail, AA President Edmund King said road safety experts were still waiting for the review 10 months later. He added: "Motorists must have absolute confidence that motorway technology is accurate, reliable and properly tested, especially on 'smart' motorways that rely on technology and variable speeds. "It is particularly concerning that the technical solution is apparently still undergoing testing almost a year after the problem was identified." The Government announced in April 2023 that it would scrap all new smart motorways under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS M6 chaos: 'Serious collision' and vehicle fire forces closure of busy motorway as traffic builds Petrol and diesel drivers paying £330 more for work travel as Labour urged to slash fuel duty Major car brand demands new European Union rules as UK risks isolation - 'Makes us weaker' Smart motorways have been met with strong criticism from families impacted by deaths on the roads | GETTY All plans for new smart motorways were cancelled in response to the "current lack of public confidence felt by drivers" and rising costs. This included 11 already paused under the second Road Investment Strategy (2020 to 2025) and three earmarked for construction during the third Road Investment Strategy (2025 to 2030). Speaking at the time, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said drivers deserved to have confidence in the roads they use. The latest delay to the review into smart motorways has caused concern among politicians and road safety organisations. Under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Government scrapped all new smart motorways | GETTY Shadow Transport Minister Greg Smith called on ministers to take responsibility for the issues and ensure the systems work properly again. "It's clear that this has potentially made smart motorways even more deadly. Labour needs to get a grip," the Conservative MP said. A spokesperson for National Highways said: "Speeding offences continue to be detected and prosecuted. "A range of enforcement measures are in place to help keep road users safe. A fix for the impacted cameras is going through rigorous testing." 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