[shortercode]

Not all smart motorways have the hard shoulder thing, the ones that do have semi frequent "stopping bays". However, stopping in one without contacting the support staff(there are intercoms) or a good reason is an offence.

They all feature per lane adjustable speed limits, as well as linked speed cameras at frequent intervals. This is supposed to help ease congestion by adjusting flow in certain areas.

In practice random signs are often left on the wrong setting, so you get a speed reduction to 40mph for 250m. Or a lane is closed for 6 miles with no reason.

I've no doubt that in the scenario where there is congestion that it greatly aids safety, as approaching traffic can be slowed before they reach the affected area

[VBprogrammer]

My least favourite thing is when they apply a patently absurd speed limit, I've seen 20mph signs on the M25 when traffic is moving freely. You are then faced with the dilemma between setting those speed cameras off or risking a lorry driver playing candy crush on his mobile phone running into the back of you.