National Highways 'knew smart motorway system was down and did nothing about it' before grandmother killed in fatal crash, van driver tells court

National Highways Aware of Smart Motorway System Failure Before Fatal Crash, Court Hears

A court has been informed that National Highways was aware of a malfunction in the smart motorway system prior to a fatal accident involving a grandmother. The incident occurred on the M25 motorway in the UK, raising serious concerns about road safety management.

What happened

The van driver involved in the crash testified that National Highways knew the smart motorway system was not functioning but did not take action to address the issue. The failure of the system reportedly contributed to the circumstances surrounding the collision, which resulted in the death of a 65-year-old woman.

Why this is gaining attention

This case is drawing significant public and media scrutiny due to ongoing debates about the safety of smart motorways. Critics have raised concerns regarding their design and operational reliability, especially following previous incidents linked to system failures. This testimony adds weight to calls for accountability and reform within National Highways.

What it means

The implications of this case could be far-reaching for road safety regulations and infrastructure management in the UK. If proven that National Highways neglected known issues with the smart motorway system, it may lead to increased pressure for regulatory changes and enhanced safety measures on motorways nationwide.

Key questions

• Q: What is the situation?
  A: A court has heard that National Highways was aware of a smart motorway system failure before a fatal crash.
• Q: Why is this important now?
  A: The incident raises critical questions about road safety and the effectiveness of smart motorway systems.