In a tragic incident on the M4 Smart Motorway in Berkshire, a van driver has been convicted for causing a fatal crash. This incident has raised questions regarding road safety protocols on smart motorways.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred on the newly completed M4 Smart Motorway, a project that involved an £814 million investment to enhance road capacity. This motorway stretch spans 32 miles between junctions 3 at Hayes and 12 at Theale, completed in December 2022.
Government Action and Response
Following safety concerns and cost-related issues, the Conservative government decided in April 2023 to halt all new smart motorways. This suggests a growing apprehension regarding the safety of such infrastructure.
Legal Outcome
The court found the van driver, whose actions led to the death of Pulvinder Dhillon, guilty of careless driving. A spokesperson for National Highways expressed condolences, stating that “any death on our roads is one too many.”
Upcoming Sentencing
The convicted driver, O’Sullivan, is scheduled to receive sentencing on April 24. There are widespread anticipations regarding the seriousness of the punishment, given the tragic circumstances of the case.
- Project Cost: £814 million
- Motorway Length: 32 miles
- Completion Date: December 2022
- Government Action: Plans for new smart motorways cancelled in April 2023
- Sentencing Date: April 24
This conviction highlights ongoing debates about safety measures on smart motorways, and how such incidents could influence future road safety policies in the UK.
