I used to drive +35k/year, in my experience the Gantry signs couldnt be believed, I know Highways says they are automatic, but just like MP's any such statement cannot be believed.

First of all there's a running thread on Smart Motorways in main part of Back Room. Not clear why 30 yrs thought another was needed.

Many areas of Smart Motorway (eg M1 J16>19) have seen hard shoulder removed in its entirety. This is a different implementation of Smart/Managed m/way to that trialled on M42 and implemented on M25 and Luton section of M1 where hard shoulder remains but may be appropriated as a running lane.

My own view, as somebody living 10 minutes from M1/J16 and for whom M1/16>19 has been a regular drive since 1982 is that Smart Motorway is a gain. M1 16>19 runs MUCH smoother since the new section opened two years ago. Indeed implementation of the 50 limit during works actually improved time over the 19 miles or so of this section. It stopped the concertina effect when cars moving at 80 it the brake and led to all slowing to 30.

Undoubtedly there is a risk if you're stranded in running lane one. Although the overall risk on Smart M/way is lower those stranded in lane one are at elevated risk though margin between that and being stuck on hard shoulder is exaggerated.

We need to manage that by improving the capacity of CCTV etc to promptly detect strandees and set signals etc to protect them.

We need to take steps so that ANYBODY passing the red X over a lane gets points and a fine. More points and more money than for shooting a red traffic light and with no option of a driver improvement course. Similarly those who stop in the running lane other than when vehicle is immobile should be penalised - with driver education to reduce such stops. A warning light on, a soggy tyre or need to exchange details after a scrape are NOT reasons to stop in running lane; carry on to next refuge. If reason for stop is running out of fuel then prosecution should be norm.

As for disbelief/ignoring of gantry signs you need a reality check. Just because you didn't see anything it doesn't mean there was nothing. Obstructions can be cleared, the report of pedestrians or animals might have been vague, sometimes the 'incident' is off motorway but fire/smoke presence of emergency vehicles etc comprise a distraction.

Maybe, just maybe, if you saw nothing your observation is below par.