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Hard shoulder plan unpopular
Page 12
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• Government plans to allow motorists to use the hard shoulder on motorways at busy times is even "less popular than the poll tax", according to new research.
A study for the RAC has revealed that 84% of drivers think scrapping the hard shoulder in a bid to ease congestion would make motorways more dangerous. The result adds weight to the RAC's own fears that the move could lead to more road accidents if motorists are confused about when the hard shoulder can and cannot be used. Safety experts at the RAC stress that the hard shoulder is essential for the safety of broken-down vehicles and to allow emergency services access In the event of accidents.
The results come as Transport Secretary Alistair Darling presses ahead with plans to take out the hard shoulder on sections of the M5, the M6 and M25, despite warnings from motoring organisations and road safety groups.