In a significant shift in the UK’s transport policy, the Department for Transport (DfT) and National Highways have announced a major update regarding the nation’s smart motorways. Starting in July 2025, several smart motorways, including those using the “all-lane running” (ALR) system, will be closed, with some lanes being permanently removed or adjusted to restore hard shoulders. This move follows growing safety concerns that have plagued the smart motorway system, particularly in cases where drivers were left stranded in live lanes without a safe space to stop. The planned closures mark the beginning of a more extensive overhaul of the smart motorway system.
What Is a Smart Motorway, and Why the Closure?
Smart motorways were initially introduced to alleviate traffic congestion by allowing dynamic lane use, variable speed limits, and even using the hard shoulder as an active traffic lane in some stretches. This system was meant to adapt traffic flow in real-time, improving efficiency on the roads. However, several critical issues have emerged over the years, prompting the government to reconsider the strategy.
One of the most alarming concerns is the lack of sufficient emergency refuge areas, which are often spaced too far apart, leaving drivers with nowhere to pull over in case of emergencies. Additionally, drivers have faced confusion regarding lane usage, while vehicle breakdowns have been detected too slowly, resulting in preventable accidents. These issues have led to a significant loss of confidence in the smart motorway system, compelling the government to take action.
Overview of Affected Routes
The shutdown of smart motorways in 2025 will impact several major routes across England. The M25, particularly from Junction 5 to Junction 30, will see smart lanes deactivated, and the hard shoulder will be reinstated. This change is expected to occur between July and September 2025. Similarly, sections of the M1 from Junction 10 to Junction 13 and Junction 28 to Junction 35a will remove all-lane running, standardizing emergency bays in the process. Work on this stretch will occur from July to December 2025. The M3, from Junction 2 to Junction 4a, will experience lane reductions along with the addition of static speed control measures, with work expected to begin in late July and continue until October 2025. On the M62, from Junction 10 to Junction 12, the full smart system will be decommissioned starting in August 2025. The M6, covering Junction 10a to Junction 13 and Junction 16 to Junction 19, will undergo a mixed approach, including lane reversal trials and the addition of refuge bays, with work continuing until 2026.
Among these routes, the M25’s smart lane updates are especially significant due to the high volume of daily traffic and its proximity to London, making it one of the most heavily used and crucial routes in the country.
Impact on Drivers
The road closures and modifications will be implemented gradually to minimize disruptions to drivers. Most of the work will take place during off-peak hours, with occasional overnight closures and lane restrictions to reduce the impact on traffic flow. Drivers can expect extended journey times on affected routes, and clear diversion routes will be marked to guide motorists along alternative paths. National Highways will also provide real-time updates through traffic apps and their website, ensuring that drivers are aware of any changes to the road network. Additionally, an increased patrol presence will be deployed to assist drivers during the transition period and offer support when necessary.
National Highways has pledged to improve communication with road users throughout the shutdown period. Public information campaigns will be launched to inform drivers about the changes, and signage along the affected routes will be upgraded to ensure that motorists are well-informed at all times.
Safety Improvements
The smart motorway closure in 2025 is not just a reversal of previous infrastructure investments; it is part of a broader effort to prioritize safety on the UK’s road network. Several key reforms are being put in place to improve safety, including the increased use of technology to detect incidents without compromising the availability of emergency refuge areas. There will also be more comprehensive road user education to ensure that drivers understand what to do in case of a breakdown or emergency situation. Additionally, traffic management systems may be redesigned to ensure a balance between automated systems and human oversight, enhancing both efficiency and safety.
This shift away from smart motorways also opens the door for more traditional motorway designs to make a return, ones that prioritize predictability and security for drivers. The government aims to create an environment where drivers feel more confident and less reliant on automated systems, which have proven to be problematic in certain circumstances.
The M25 Smart Lane Modifications
Among the various motorway updates, the M25’s modifications are particularly noteworthy. As one of the busiest roads in the UK, the M25 will see significant changes in its smart lane structure. The most notable change will be the reinstatement of a continuous hard shoulder along high-risk segments of the motorway. This will help to ensure that drivers have a safe place to pull over in case of emergencies, which was a major concern with the previous all-lane running system.
In addition to this, speed cameras along the M25 will be recalibrated to enforce fixed speed limits. This change aims to provide more consistency and reduce the confusion caused by the variable speed limits that were previously in place. The reliance on overhead lane indicators will also be reduced, which should make it easier for drivers to navigate the route without having to constantly adjust to changing lane signs.
These changes are expected to improve safety and reduce confusion for drivers using this critical route. The M25 is a vital motorway for commuters, freight transport, and long-distance travelers, so these updates are seen as a necessary step toward ensuring smoother and safer traffic flow.
The Future of Motorway Design
The upcoming smart motorway closures represent a significant shift in the UK’s approach to motorway design and traffic management. While the closures themselves may cause some short-term disruptions, they signal a broader commitment to creating safer, more reliable road networks for all road users. As the country moves forward, the emphasis will likely be on creating infrastructure that combines the best of both traditional and modern traffic management systems, prioritizing both safety and efficiency on the roads.
In the coming months, as these closures and modifications are implemented, drivers will experience a smoother, safer journey, with more predictable routes and increased confidence in the motorway system. The planned changes highlight a clear intention to put the safety of road users first, ensuring a future where UK motorways can support the growing demands of traffic while safeguarding the well-being of everyone on the road.