Development

UK delays more all-lane smart motorways for five years

New “all-lane running” smart motorways have been paused while their safety is assessed, the government has said

Using the hard shoulder as a permanent live traffic lane increases capacity, but critics say it has contributed to road deaths.

Five years of safety and economic data for the schemes will now be collected from the motorways built before 2020.

However, hard shoulders will not be reinstated on current stretches of all-lane running motorways.

The government’s move comes after MPs said in November there was not enough safety and economic data to justify this type of route.

In the event that a car breaks down on all-lane running smart motorways, drivers are meant to aim for emergency refuge areas.

But critics say the schemes can leave cars stranded in fast-moving traffic.

Highways England says there are roughly 400 miles of smart motorway – roads which use technology to maintain the flow of traffic and give information on overhead displays – already in action.

About 200 of these lack a permanent hard shoulder, 63 miles use it as a live running lane some of the time.

Wednesday’s decision means that another 100 miles of all-lane running currently in construction can still be completed, while 57 miles are paused for now.

What is a smart motorway?

A smart motorway is a stretch of road where technology is used to regulate traffic flow and – hopefully – ease congestion. There are three main types:

Controlled, which have a permanent hard shoulder, but use technology such as variable speed limits to adjust traffic flows

Dynamic, where the hard shoulder can be opened up at peak times and used as an extra lane; when this happens, the speed limit is reduced to 60mph

All-lane running, where the hard shoulder has been permanently removed to provide an extra lane; emergency refuge areas are provided at regular intervals for cars that get into trouble

All three models use overhead gantries to direct drivers. Variable speed limits are introduced to control traffic flow when there is congestion, or if there is a hazard ahead. These limits are controlled by speed cameras.

If drivers get into trouble, they are meant to aim for the emergency refuge areas (essentially laybys) placed at intervals along the road.

According to government figures, 38 people were killed on smart motorways between 2014 and 2019.

The roll-out pause means work on the M3 between junctions 9 and 14, the M40/M42 interchange, on the M62 between junctions 20 and 25, and on the M25 between junctions 10 and 16 will be suspended.

Schemes that are already under construction will be completed, the government said, and on existing all-lane running motorways, £390m of public funds will be provided for more refuge areas and technology to detect stopped vehicles.

Refuge areas should be no more than 1.5km apart, and should be 1km apart where possible, it said, as opposed to being up to 2.5km between them at the moment.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said where hard shoulders have been removed, they won’t be reinstated, as they “do not always provide a safe place to stop” and could also push more traffic onto local roads.

But campaigner Claire Mercer, whose husband Jason was killed on a stretch of smart motorway near Sheffield in 2019, said: “The only acceptable thing would be for all hard shoulders to be returned permanently, 24/7, on all motorways.”

If that doesn’t happen, she said: “We’ll carry on fighting, and pushing the legal challenge.”

Jason was killed when he and another driver stopped in a live lane of an all-lane running motorway after a minor collision and were hit by a lorry.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “While our initial data shows that smart motorways are among the safest roads in the UK, it’s crucial that we go further to ensure people feel safer using them.”

As part of its review, the government said it will look at how so-called controlled motorways, which have a hard shoulder, compare with all-lane running ones.

Michael Patterson broke down on an all-lane running stretch of the M5 in August 2020 and “couldn’t find” a refuge bay so “just came to halt, mercifully on the inside lane”.

He said there was “no immediate closure of the lane” he had stopped in, which resulted in “three very scary near-misses”.

“I had abuse hurled at me, horns sounding at me,” he added.

“Nothing happened for five or 10 minutes in terms of the lane being controlled so I dialled 999, and the emergency services sorted it out, but the highways people didn’t turn up for about 20 minutes.

“I got myself over the crash barrier, but if I’d had my youngest son with me, who is physically disabled, learning disabled, and autistic, I never would have got him out of the car.”

The government said in March 2020 that all new smart motorways would be all-lane running, but in November that year MPs on the Commons transport select committee said more safety data was needed.

Committee chairman Huw Merriman has said the committee first raised safety concerns in 2016.

Sir Mike Penning, who supported smart motorways when serving as roads minister between 2010 and 2012, said the government had not gone far enough, and should bring back hard shoulders while it was reviewing the data.

‘Sitting ducks’

Motoring organisation the AA said drivers become “sitting ducks” if there are not enough refuges and not accurate enough technology to warn of dangers.

Meanwhile, the RAC said many drivers “have deeply held concerns over the safety of motorways where the hard shoulder is permanently removed” and added it was pleased the pause button had been hit.

Duncan Smith, executive director of operations at National Highways, told the BBC he was “convinced” smart motorways were safe and that there was “more we can do convince people that they are safe”.

The government agency, which monitors the South East’s major roads, is putting up more signs for emergency bays and rolling out a radar-based system which should alert its control room about a stranded vehicle within 20 seconds.

Analysis box by Katy Austin, Transport correspondent

The point of smart motorways is to increase capacity and cut congestion, without the cost and disruption of building new roads or widening existing ones.

This a significant moment in their journey. The rollout of “all-lane running” won’t go into reverse, but the brakes have been applied.

Further safety and economic data will be gathered, and the effectiveness of planned improvements assessed, before any new projects get under way.

Some campaigners will never accept anything less than hard shoulders being reinstated where they’ve already made way for an extra lane of traffic.

The government’s view remains that this would not be the right thing to do, and the focus should be on upgrading safety instead.

Development

Ndokwa East LGA – A case for Equity and Capacity

Barrister Harrison Ifeanyi Dike

Ndokwa East local government area is looking for a charismatic leader, an influential leader with a modest behavior, a man with a sound, analytical mind to continuously improve our living standards.We are also looking for a man with a vision, a man with an impeccable character, a man with a sense of time management, attention to details, and who can be trusted.
Over the years stooges were imposed and they ended up mismanaging our resources through act of stealing, greed, flawed policies, poor decision making process, reckless abandonment, lawlessness, theft through manipulation and maltreatment of local government staffs.
Now we want a paradigm shift where people’s welfare and development should be our major concern but not primitive accumulation of wealth to the detriment of our people, 99 per cent of the communities in Ndokwa East are suffering from one form of deprivation or another. No infrastructure period. I mean no roads, no electricity, no access to portable drinking water, no health centers or access to simple medical attention in any emergency and unprecedented number of school closures because lack of teachers willing to be posted to our deprived communities and towns.
We simply cannot afford to continue like this if not our towns as we know them will cease to exist in a few years. We should not allow this maladministration to continue, Thus, this is a call for action, an invitation to well meaning Ndokwa Easterners ( Ndosimili persons) to prepare themselves for a rancour free election devoid of manipulation and widespread cheating against the will of the people. We are still beaming our search lights amongst those who have so far indicated interest and only one man is eminently qualified, capable and can be trusted to deliver for the people . A candidate that will rescue and revamp our local Government area for even development.
This is the time to stand up and queue behind Barrister Harrison Ifeanyi Dike.
Barrister Dike is from the illustrious DIKE FAMILY OF UMUGWOR QTRS., ONUABOH. He had his primary and secondary education in Kwale and thereafter proceeded to the prestigious University of Ibadan, where he studied law and then, the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus. He began his legal career with the notable law firm of T.J ONOMIGBO-OKPOKO (S.A.N) & CO. (Now THOMPSON OKPOKO & PARTNERS), where he honed his skills as a Legal Practitioner. He was later appointed as Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney- General and Commissioner of Justice, Delta State between 2011-2015 and came back to Thompson OKPOKO & Partners briefly, before setting up his own law firm, H.I.DIKE & PARTNERS, where he is the Principal Partner, till date. Barrister Dike has been in politics since the early 90’s, where he supported and campaigned as a young school leaver for the actualisation of the Gubernatorial ambition of Prof Eric Opia, under the banner of the then National Republican (NRC.). He has also been a member of the PDP from 1999 till date and has mostly worked behind the scene, particularly in his Ward and Community for the success of the party in previous elections. Though he believes that good and effective leadership is not a function of party but of the nature, character and integrity of the occupant of a public office.

Written by Barrister Harrison Ifeanyi Dike, a legal practitioner

Development

Golden Revival: Saint Augustine Comprehensive High School Unveils State-of-the-Art Science Laboratory

In a momentous occasion set to mark a significant leap in educational infrastructure and development, Saint Augustine Comprehensive High School in Oye-Ekiti is gearing up to inaugurate its long-awaited Science Laboratory Building on May 4th, 2024. The Ceremony will be graced by the esteemed presence of Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who will also be spearheading the launch of a N500 million development fund aimed at bolstering the School’s advancement initiatives.
The Science Laboratory, a cornerstone of academic excellence, was originally constructed nearly five decades ago to cater to the fundamental sciences of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. However, due to neglect and lack of proper maintenance, the building languished in disrepair, rendering it unusable for educational purposes.
Recognizing the dire need to revitalize their Alma Mater, the Saint Augustine Comprehensive High School Old Students’ Association embarked on a commendable journey to breathe new life into the dilapidated structure. Commencing reconstruction efforts approximately two years ago, the association invested a substantial sum of N50 million towards the refurbishment project. Despite these commendable efforts, the crucial aspect of procuring laboratory equipment, estimated at N30 million, remained a hurdle due to financial constraints.
The genesis of this transformative endeavor traces back to 2022 when a Visitation Panel, commissioned by the Old Students’ Association, shed light on the deplorable state of the Laboratory Building. Dr. Vincent Idowu Bamigboye, the Worldwide President of the Association, underscored the pivotal role of alumni contributions in driving the school’s progress over the past two decades. In a poignant statement, Dr. Bamigboye expressed gratitude to the generous benefactors who have continually supported the school’s endeavors, propelling it towards excellence.
The forthcoming commissioning ceremony will not only mark the culmination of arduous efforts but also herald a new era of academic enrichment and innovation. Dr. Bamigboye unveiled a grand vision for the School’s future, emphasizing the imperative of nurturing creative thinkers and fostering a conducive learning environment. As preparations for the School’s 50th anniversary loom on the horizon, plans are underway to institute a “Golden Anniversary and Beyond Committee” tasked with charting a comprehensive 10-year Development Roadmap.
Among the distinguished dignitaries set to grace the occasion are Dr. (Mrs) Kofoworola Aderiye, Commissioner for Education, Ekiti State; Otunba Babatunde Fajemirokun, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AIICO Insurance PLC, who will serve as Guests of Honour. The event will be hosted by Honourable Oluwaseun Fakuade Commissioner for Innovation Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, and Honourable Adesola Gold Adedayo, Commissioner for Youth Development, Ekiti State, serving as Chief Hosts. The Chairman of the Occasion is the current Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
Adding Regal splendour to the affair, the Royal Fathers of the Day include the Oloye of Oye Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Oluwole Adugbole 111; the Olora of Ora-Ekiti, Oba Peteru Ojo Daramola; and the Regent of Imojo Ekiti, Her Royal Majesty, Princess Mercy Ayomide Olatunji.
As anticipation builds and preparations reach a crescendo, Saint Augustine Comprehensive High School stands poised to reclaim its position as a beacon of educational excellence, embarking on a journey of rejuvenation and progress.

Business

Abiodun Boosts Security: Donates Drones, 25 Patrol Vehicles to Combat Banditry, Terrorism

L:R: Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Toyin Taiwo; Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Durosinmi Olatoye; Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the demonstration of drones purchased by the Ogun State Government to tackle insecurity at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Thursday.

Ogun State Government on Thursday, donated 25 patrol vehicles to the state police command just as it acquired surveillance drones to monitor criminal activities in all parts of the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun donated the vehicles in the presence of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, even as he called on the force to include technology in it’s crime fighting efforts.
He said acquiring the drones was one of the proactive steps his administration has taken in collaboration with Lagos and Oyo states to effectively monitor activities on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to ensure prompt response in emergency situations.
The drones, the governor noted, would be operated by trained personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of Stata Service (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC).
Governor Abiodun who had earlier received the Inspector General in his office said: “As a gesture of appreciation of you and all what your are doing to law enforcement and effective policing in our state and by extension Nigeria, we have decided to complement you and your efforts by donating today, 25 patrol vans to the police and our law enforcement architecture. This, we believe, will commemorate your first official visit to Ogun State.
“Towards ensuring peace in our state, we will continue to strengthen and support our already established Security Trust Fund (STF) by procuring relevant gadgets, including drones. We will continue to argument the allowances and living condition of our security personnel to motivate them to enhance security and safety in our state.”
The governor, who was impressed with the efforts of the police boss at repositioning the force for optimal performance in line with the tenet of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, however called for the integration of modern technology in tackling the various security challenges facing the nation.
“As we acknowledged your alignment with the tenet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we urged the integration of cutting edge surveillance technology to combat the challenges of banditry and terrorism in the nation,” the governor advised.
He said Ogun State remains steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional role by prioritizing the welfare and security of the people through fostering effective inter-agencies cooperation among security agencies in the state.
Prince Abiodun said his administration in the past four and a half years, has procured more than 100 patrol vehicles and motorcycles, as well as over 300 communication gadgets for security agencies in a bid to keep the peace, assuring that his administration would spare nothing at ensuring that residents live in a stable environment and engage in business activities without fear of molestation.
The governor described the Inspector General of Police as a dutiful officer and a fine gentleman who through his educational background and professional dedication was poised at ensuring that Nigerians have a police force they could be proud of.
“You have been deliberate and intentional in the systematic redesigning of the operational strategies and administrative policies of the police force which is driven by purposeful leadership and capacity enhancement.
“The impactful motivation you continually instill in your personnel through timely promotion and incentives, have boosted their performance and dedication. As an expert in peace and conflict studies, you have exemplified the essence of positive police/civil relations, elevating the trust of Nigerians in the police by addressing misconducts with decisive action.
“Your commitment to community policing has strengthened the bond between the law enforcement and the community members significantly improving the intelligence capacity of the officers. Realizing that modern policing necessitate cooperation with all and is underpinned by technological advancement, you put your efforts and encouraged continued innovations in these areas,” the governor added.
Prince Abiodun lauded the police authority for its infrastructural development efforts in that state command, particularly the new police headquarters building, the Technical Intelligence Unit, the Complaints Response Unit, and the Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun Multi-purpose Cooperative Hall.
Also speaking, Egbetokun said his vision was to put in place a professionally competent police force that is service oriented, rule of law compliant, people friendly and positioned to respond appropriately and adequately to the dynamics of crimes in the society.
He acknowledged the massive infrastructural development across the state, disclosing that more police stations and more Area Commands would be created as well as the deployment of more mobile policemen squadrons to provide adequate security in the state.
The IGP praised Governor Abiodun’s innovative idea in the purchase of the drones, noting that the gesture would further enhance the security of the state, even as he called on other states to take the same step to ensure the security of their people.