The Freight Transport Association (FTA) believes more needs to be done to educate the motoring public regarding the proper use of smart motorways up and down the country.

Utilising technologies built into the carriageway, as well as overhead cameras and variable signage, smart motorways represent a more flexible form of transport infrastructure, ensuring traffic flows can be maintained even during periods of high traffic volume.

However, all drivers need to be made aware of the different rules of the road when traversing smart motorways, ensuring they are always paying heed to the directions given to them by the overhead signs.

The rollout of smart motorways has gathered pace in recent years and many stretches of carriageway across the UK already make use of this form of traffic management. However, many drivers may still be unaware of their responsibilities when travelling on these roads, but it is a situation the FTA believes must change.

FTA head of road network management policy Malcolm Bingham commented: "Rather than denying road users the much-needed benefits of more reliable journey times, FTA believes that the focus should be on educating drivers on how to use smart motorways safely, what the various signs mean and what they should do in the event of a breakdown."

Indeed, with fewer rest areas as a result of the use of the hard shoulder for all-lane running during periods of high volume, drivers need to understand they should pull into the left-most lane and remain in their car in the event of a breakdown.

The authorities will be aware of the blockage on the carriageway and recovery vehicles will be dispatched as soon as possible.