WORCESTER’S MP says the evidence suggests smart motorways are safe, despite concerns from some.

Robin Walker was speaking after a coroner said they “present an ongoing risk of future deaths”.

Sheffield coroner David Urpeth said the primary cause of death of Jason Mercer, 44, and Alexandru Murgeanu, 22, on the M1 in South Yorkshire in June 2019 was the careless driving of lorry driver Prezemyslaw Szuba, who ploughed into their vehicles as they stood stationary in lane one following a minor shunt.

But recording a conclusion of unlawful killing, Mr Urpeth said: “I find, as a finding of fact, it is clear a lack of hard shoulder contributed to this tragedy.”

The coroner added on Monday he would be writing to Highways England and Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps recommending a review of smart motorways.

Concerns have been expressed by Worcester News readers about the sections of smart motorways on the M5 in the county.

In October we reported that Garry Bennett, from Barbourne, said he was nearly crushed by a lorry after breaking down on the M5.

Mr Bennett said about that incident: “It’s all very well having four lanes to keep traffic moving, but the removal of the hard shoulder is putting lives at risk.”

That led readers to voice their concerns over smart motorways, also known as All Lane Running (ALR), with one saying: “Smart motorways are nothing more than hazardous pieces of road that put people’s lives in danger.

“The so-called benefit of these motorways to improve the flow of traffic and reduce congestion is utter nonsense and a complete lie as they do the complete opposite while the continuous, focused attention on your speedometer is a hazard.”

Mr Walker said he had recently contacted the Department for Transport, after the issue was raised by a constituent, and shared the reply he received from Charlotte Vere, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, a roads minister.

“Safety is the Department and Highways England’s main priority on our motorway," the minister wrote.

“ALR motorways are no exception.

"On March 12 the Department published the outcome of the evidence stocktake (gathered after the Secretary of State commissioned analysis in 2019).

“Overall, evidence shows that in most ways ALR motorways are as safe as, or safer than, conventional motorways, but not in every way.

READ MORE: Worcester drivers voice concerns over 'smart' motorways

“To ensure we are doing all we can do to improve safety, we published an 18-point Action Plan. Implementing (the plan) will allow us to retain the benefits of this type of motorway while addressing the concerns that have been identified.”

Mr Walker said: “I’m reassured action has been taken and the overall safety of our motorways is continuing to improve.

"All the statistics do suggest that, in terms of accidents, motorways are the safest kind of roads to drive on and they have become safer over time.

“I recognise it is something that people do have concerns, and want to see those addressed, but I think it is right the government focus on making sure the overall safety statistics continue to improve.”