Research says there were 1,485 near misses on the M25, compared with 72 in five years before a section became a smart motorway.
Near-misses on one of Britain's stretches of so-called"smart motorways" have increased 20-fold since the hard shoulder was taken away, it is claimed.
They were intended to reduce congestion on the busiest parts of the road network by becoming another lane drivers could use, but it means anyone who breaks down is left in the middle of traffic.An investigation has found that on one of the two converted sections of the M25, there were 1,485 near misses since the scheme was introduced.
In comparison, there were only 72 in the five years before it was a smart motorway, according to the research. The car detection system can spot stranded vehicles immediately - nationally, motorists have to wait an average of 17 minutes to be spotted, and a further 17 minutes before they are rescued.Ahe former government minister who approved the roll-out, has told the BBC that he was misled about the risks of the system.
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