Smart motorways found to have higher breakdown rate

Smart motorways have a vehicle breakdown rate nearly three times higher than conventional motorways, new figures show.

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National Highways statistics show 56% of breakdowns logged on England's motorways last year happened on smart motorways.

That is despite the roads only making up 20% of the total motorway network.

The 141,149 smart motorway breakdown incidents recorded in 2024 was an average of 387 per day.

The AA described the statistics, released in response to a Freedom of Information request, as "a major concern".

National Highways said the technology installed on smart motorways means breakdowns on those roads are more likely to be detected.