Section on M1 in Yorkshire has 'worsening safety record' - AA analysis
Safety on the M1 between junctions 39 and 42 is said to be getting worse
A section of the M1 smart motorway in Yorkshire has a 'worsening' safety record, according to an analysis by the AA.
It comes after National Highways released evaluations of 16 smart motorway projects across England, with concerns being raised about both safety and value for money.
Smart motorways were established on parts of the M1 and M62 in Yorkshire by converting hard shoulders into live lanes to increase capacity cheaply.
However, safety concerns have persisted due to fatal incidents involving stopped vehicles in live lanes.
The M1 between junction 39 south of Wakefield and junction 42, where the road intersects the M62, is one section where safety is getting worse, according to the AA.
AA president Edmund King said: "The reluctant release of these documents, without any announcement, feels like an attempt to bury bad news.
"This has been a catastrophic waste of time, money and effort.
"Many of the schemes have slower journeys which causes traffic jams, loses the country cash and worsened the safety record of motorways.
"We need the return of the hard shoulder to help give confidence to drivers, both now and in the future."
A National Highways spokesperson said: "Our latest analysis continues to show that overall, smart motorways remain our safest roads.
"They are also providing much needed extra capacity for drivers, helping to reduce congestion and lower carbon emissions."