Smart motorways face further scrutiny as MPs launch inquiry

Select committee to investigate rise in annual deaths, claiming public confidence is faltering

Smart motorways are to come under further scrutiny as MPs launch a fresh inquiry into their benefits and dangers, just weeks after a coroner referred Highways England to prosecutors for possible corporate manslaughter after the death of a motorist on the M1.

The Commons transport select committee is to investigate the roads after a further rise in annual deaths, claiming public confidence is faltering.