The government has announced that all plans for new smart motorways have been shelved. The reasons for this are stated as financial pressures and a lack of confidence from drivers.

It is estimated that it would have cost more than £1 billion to construct the smart motorways that were planned.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “All drivers deserve to have confidence in the roads they use to get around the country.

“That’s why last year I pledged to stop the building of all new smart motorways, and today I’m making good on that promise.

“Many people across the country rely on driving to get to work, to take their children to school and go about their daily lives and I want them to be able to do so with full confidence that the roads they drive on are safe.”

Transport secretary Mark Harper said: “We want the public to know that this government is listening to their concerns.

“Today’s announcement means no new smart motorways will be built, recognising the lack of public confidence felt by drivers and the cost pressures due to inflation.”

The government and National Highways will continue to invest £900 million in road safety improvements on existing smart motorways.