Council reaffirm opposition to South Yorkshire's smart motorways

A notice of motion has been lodged to discuss smart motorways at the full council meeting, and the council is requested to reiterate its opposition to their use.

The motion pledges the council's support to the campaigns of families affected to get all-lane running reverted.

Councillor Emma Hoddinott filed the notice of motion, which requests the specific issue to be discussed at a meeting, and it has been seconded by Councillor Robert Taylor.

Five people have died in 10 months on a 16 mile-stretch of the M1 in South Yorkshire, and Rotherham MP Sarah Champion has previously called for an end to smart motorways.

Ms Champion said in January: "it is totally unacceptable to risk lives in the name of cost savings".

She cited 44-year-old Rotherham man, Jason Mercer, and Alexandru Murgreanu from Mansfield who died after being hit by a lorry on the M1 near junction 34, during a Westminster debate.

Rotherham Council has previously told the government “that the risk of collisions involving stationary vehicles during non-peak times is an unacceptable risk and one which will have serious and potentially fatal consequences”.

The motion states: "This council believes that all-lane running is fundamentally flawed, with large distances between emergency refuges and an inability to identify vehicles stranded in the traffic quickly enough.

"That any benefits from increased capacity is outweighed by these serious safety concerns.

This Council resolves to reiterate the council’s opposition to all-lane running using the hard shoulder as a permanent live traffic lane.

"To offer our support to the campaigns of families affected to get all-lane running reverted."

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