MP demands re-think over latest M6 smart motorway project
A re-think is needed on a long-running project to turn part of the M6 at Stafford into a smart motorway, an MP has said.
The Government has announced it is to review smart motorways amid increasing concerns over safety.
Work to create a smart motorway between Junctions 13 and 15 has been ongoing since last year and is due to continue until 2022.
The scheme has resulted in the speed limit being cut on the 17-mile stretch, causing misery for motorists.
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Smart motorways involve the removal of the hard shoulder to provide an extra traffic lane and ease congestion. On some - as will happen at Stafford - the hard shoulder is removed permanently, which has sparked concerns about the safety of drivers who break down or may need to pull over in an emergency.
Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said he shared concerns about the planned layout for Staffordshire's smart motorway.
He said: "When the smart motorway was being proposed I was under the impression we were going to get something similar to the M42 where it is used as a three-lane motorway some of the time and then four lanes at rush hour.
"Clearly it has become another version where all lanes are running.
"My personal view is I'm glad we will have four lanes but we need to look at controlling the system so we can close a lane if there is a problem.
"This is something I'm going to raise and I think this report needs to be taken very seriously."
Mr Lefroy said he did not believe any money had been wasted as he believes smart motorways are the only way to reduced congestion.
He added: "The alternative is building a new motorway and extending the M6 which people were substantially against."
MP for Stone Sir Bill Cash said he would be keen to hear views locally on the project.
He said: "I deplore any waste of money, like HS2. There has been terrible congestion over the last few years around Junction 15 and I think people need to be asked."
Recommendations on motorway safety are expected within weeks. Concerns around smart motorways have been heightened by deaths of drivers on hard shoulders.
