An upcoming Channel 5 investigation examines the controversial topic of smart motorways and their impact on British roads. The documentary, titled “Smart Motorways: The Shocking Truth,” airs on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 7:00 PM.
The program explores the devastating consequences of converting hard shoulders into lanes to alleviate congestion. With at least 79 fatalities and numerous serious injuries, the safety of these smart motorways has come under intense scrutiny. The investigation uncovers stories of drivers who have lost loved ones or suffered life-changing injuries due to the lack of a hard shoulder and the perceived failures of the technology meant to keep them safe. It also highlights the concerns of rescue services, who face challenges in reaching stranded drivers, and the fears of drivers who feel vulnerable and at risk.
The documentary includes distressing footage from smart motorway cameras, capturing the moments when broken-down vehicles are struck by oncoming traffic. It also features interviews with bereaved families and injured survivors, providing a powerful insight into the human cost of these road changes.
With transport committees, industry leaders, and coroners all expressing doubts about the safety of smart motorways, the film questions why successive governments have defended their implementation. It examines the impact of these motorways on drivers over the last decade and the ongoing concerns about their future viability.
Smart Motorways: The Shocking Truth airs on Channel 5 at 7:00 PM on Friday, May 31, 2024.
