Direct Line: Motorway hard shoulders as running lanes

Tony Chilcott, Head of Car Insurance at Direct Line, said: "While we recognise the success of the M42 pilot scheme, the hard shoulder must not become a default additional lane on our motorways."

"The incorrect use of hard shoulder running lanes by motorists who are unsure of the rules or who are rushing to get from A to B could have severe implications for road safety. This is especially the case during dangerous road and weather conditions, such as fog, which can seriously impair motorists' reactions."

"In fact, it is feasible that a motorist misusing the hard shoulder as a running lane could slam into a broken down vehicle on the hard shoulder, causing a major accident."

"We strongly believe that hard shoulder running lanes should be used only during peak times to ease congestion in slow moving traffic, where roads are closely monitored by surveillance cameras and only in good weather conditions. We would also welcome any initiative that seeks to raise motorists' awareness of the correct use of hard shoulder running lanes."