Drivers are still concerned about SMART motorways such as the M62.

That’s the finding of a new survey by driving groups as the high-tech motorway stretches celebrate their first birthday.

And both the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and Transport Focus, which represents road users on the strategic road network, have expressed concern that widespread confusion still exists amongst motorway users on how best to use them.

A long stretch of the M62 from Brighouse to Tingley was one of the first in the country to become a SMART motorway.

They replaced Managed Motorways as the solution to the nation’s congested motorways but concerns have been raised over their safety. They use lane control, overhead gantries and emergency refuge areas, and often have a hard shoulder for use by traffic at busy times.

Other stretches of the M62 over the Pennines are being adapted to be part of the new network.

Part of the concern raised by motorists was the safety of those who had broken down on a motorway with no hard shoulder, and the increase in distances between safety refuges.

The IAM conducted a survey on the introduction of SMART motorways and found 71% of drivers said they would feel less safe on a motorway with no hard shoulder than a motorway with one.

Some 40% of respondents said they were sceptical that new monitoring systems on SMART motorways, such as traffic detectors and CCTV, would protect them in the event of stopping in a running lane.

Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer, said “There are many different motorway users out there and some are still confused and nervous about using SMART motorways – if they are aware of them at all.

“Highways England must analyse incident data on a continuous basis and ensure that any lessons learned from the real world use of SMART motorways are implemented quickly. Ultimately, the smartest way to build awareness would be to allow learner drivers to use motorways under expert supervision.”

The gantries above the carriageways show signs which apply to drivers.

They include a speed limit inside a red circle, which is mandatory and may have cameras enforcing it.

A white arrow with flashing beacons: and means you should move into the lane which the arrow points to, while a red cross with flashing beacons means you must not continue to use the lane.