South Yorkshire police boss says ‘something seriously wrong’ with smart motorways

South Yorkshire’s police boss has called again for a rethink over smart motorways before any more lives are lost.
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Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, spoke out after a coroner asked the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether corporate manslaughter charges should be brought against Highways England.

Senior coroner Nicola Munday raised concerns over how cameras are monitored after hearing how Sheffield grandmother Nargis Begum had exited a broken-down car on the M1 near Woodall services and been killed when another vehicle crashed into the stationary car.

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime CommissionerDr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner
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Dr Billings last month wrote to transport secretary Grant Shapps after another coroner concluded that the lack of a hard shoulder had contributed to the deaths of Jason Mercer and Alexandru Murgeanu.

He claimed that smart motorways where the hard shoulder is a live lane are inherently unsafe and urged the minister to abandon those types of motorway.

Following Ms Munday’s comments, Dr Billings said: “This is now the second time a coroner has raised doubts about the safety of these so-called smart motorways.

“The evidence is mounting all the time that something is seriously wrong about these types of motorway with all running lanes.

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“Highways England and the Department argue that these motorways are as safe if not safer than conventional motorways. I believe the way this case is made is deeply flawed and should be scrapped.

“Instead, they must give weight to the comments of the coroners and those of us who see the risks on a daily basis.

“They must act before there are any further unnecessary deaths or serious injuries.”

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of all those who have been affected.

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“Since taking office, the transport secretary has committed £500m to smart motorways safety improvements and has recently pressed Highways England to further accelerate work in certain areas.

"The safety and peace of mind of drivers and passengers using these routes remains our priority.“We’re aware of the referral by the coroner, and Highways England will fully cooperate in any potential investigation the CPS decides to conduct.”