In a bid to enhance safety measures on smart motorways across the South East, plans are underway to install 52 new emergency areas, providing vital stopping points for drivers in case of emergencies.

These emergency areas, to be situated on the M25 and other smart motorways in the region, aim to address concerns raised by drivers regarding the absence of permanent hard shoulders on certain stretches of motorways.

The M25, a major arterial route encircling London, will receive 24 of these emergency areas, spanning across Surrey, Kent, Hertfordshire, and Essex. Additionally, installations are planned for the M20, M27, M4, and M3.

Measuring 100 meters (328 feet) in length, these emergency areas will be painted orange for enhanced visibility and equipped with emergency telephones, providing a secure space for motorists to pull over in times of need.

Felicity Clayton from National Highways emphasized that safety remains the top priority, stating, “We have listened to drivers’ concerns about having more places to stop in an emergency on motorways which don’t have a permanent hard shoulder.

She further highlighted that these installations are part of the government’s significant £900 million investment aimed at further improving safety on existing smart motorways. This investment includes the addition of 150 emergency areas across the network and the provision of clear guidance for motorists using smart motorways, aiming to bolster public confidence in these road systems.

The distribution of the new emergency areas will see nine installed between junctions five and seven on the M25, with 15 more planned between junctions 23 and 27. The M3 will receive 10 new areas between junctions two and four A, while the M4 will see 12 installations between junctions 10 and 12, and four between junctions three and five of the M20. Additionally, the M27 will have two new emergency areas, located between junctions four and 11.

National Highways revealed that the installation work will necessitate the closure of a lane on each motorway affected, with a temporary speed limit of 50mph imposed during the process. Coordination of this work will align with ongoing major works on the M25, particularly at junctions three in Surrey and 28 in Essex.