A speedy way to make smart motorways safer

SIR – The prospect of seeing vatfuls of red paint applied to smart motorways (Letters, March 28) is appealing.

Alternatively, until hard shoulders are fully restored, the overhead gantry lights on lane one of all “smart” sections should be set permanently to the red “X”, with the message “Hard Shoulder – Emergency Use Only”.

This is rather less messy than red paint, and more immediately controllable.

Judith M Tanner Porthcawl, Glamorgan

SIR – The Government is guilty of delay in finding a safe solution to the smart motorway problem, putting motorists’ lives at risk.

Until a satisfactory permanent solution is found, the inside lane should be closed to traffic unless and until the remaining lanes become congested. It could then be opened, but restricted to 30mph only, with appropriate overhead gantry signage. A D Middleton

Chester-le-Street, Co Durham

SIR – I completely agree with Will Parke (Letters, March 28) regarding the dangers of motorway vehicles suddenly encountering a stranded vehicle in the middle lane.

My husband and I found ourselves in such a situation some years ago. The car in front of us indicated left and pulled over, and it was not until it was out of the way that we saw a stationary vehicle. Fortunately my husband reacted quickly but I will never forget the fear on the faces of the car’s passengers looking back into the headlights of oncoming cars. Barbara Smith

Stafford