The hard shoulder can often be a misunderstood part of a motorway. While it plays a crucial role in keeping drivers safe, its use has evolved with the introduction of smart motorways.
But what exactly is a hard shoulder? When can you use it? And how do you stay safe?
What is the Hard Shoulder?
In the UK, the hard shoulder on a motorway is an emergency lane that runs along the left-hand side of the road.
You will be able to differentiate a hard shoulder lane by the solid white line that seperates it from the rest of the road. It is normally around 3.3 metres wide and is there to provide a safe space for vehicles to stop in an emergency.
Key features of the hard shoulder include:
- Marked by a solid white line with red reflective studs
- Designed as a safe space for breakdowns or emergencies
- Used by emergency services to bypass traffic when responding to incidents
However, not all motorways have a permanent hard shoulder. The introduction of smart motorways has changed how they function.