Public confidence in smart motorways has been shaken due to prolonged system malfunctions and safety concerns. A recent incident involving the M62 J10-12 highlighted a month-long failure, leaving drivers vulnerable without crucial safety technology they rely on daily. This issue aligns with growing dissatisfaction among motorists, as surveys indicate one-third feel less secure driving on motorways now compared to three years ago.

Debates surrounding smart motorways have intensified calls for reevaluating their effectiveness. Advocates like King argue that these systems have not met public expectations and stress the necessity of reinstating hard shoulders across all highways. Meanwhile, the UK's Office of Rail and Road (ORR) acknowledges National Highways' efforts toward enhancing safety measures by 2025 but raises doubts about achieving significant reductions in key safety incidents.

National evaluations reveal mixed results regarding Stopped Vehicle Detection (SVD) performance. Although overall standards are maintained, specific schemes show deficiencies, with several metrics falling short at tested locations. Despite these challenges, authorities maintain that the SVD system still contributes positively to road user safety. Moving forward, embracing transparency and prioritizing driver safety will be essential steps toward restoring public trust in modern highway infrastructure.