Clubs’ fears over smart motorways
Worries over classic breakdowns come to the fore
Classic clubs are increasingly concerned about the risks of older cars breaking down on ‘smart’ motorways.
Increasing stretches of the UK motorway are being upgraded to ‘smart’ status, allowing the hard shoulder to be used as a live lane during busy periods and for variable speed limits, but classic experts fear that older cars could be more at risk in the event of a breakdown.
Bob Wilkinson of the Ford Y&C Model Register and the Model A Ford Club of Great Britain, says that owners should treat any motorway journey in a classic with caution and prepare accordingly.
He says: ‘As far as older classics in particular are concerned, we would advise anyone to stay away from motorways as far as possible and only use them for short stretches of a journey. Smart motorways are a further issue.’
The club’s comments follow concerns raised by motorists taking part in a survey by roadside recovery operator, GEM Motoring Assist, which highlighted that two-thirds of drivers questioned had concerns about breaking down on a ‘smart’ motorway.
Rover Sports Register chairman, Mike Maher, adds: ‘Given the speed a lot of people drive on motorways, you have to be careful, particularly when going on to the carriageway and changing lanes. It goes without saying that you should check that your car is in the best possible mechanical condition. I also feel that flashing indicators should be fitted to any classic using the motorway – modern motorists would often not notice semaphores’.
‘It would certainly be advisable to look at alternative routes when planning to travel, too.’
Nick Larkin