The ABD joined MAG and the BMF in stating that the latest plans from Transport Secretary Alistair Darling to allow drivers to use the hard shoulder to avoid congestion shows a breathtaking lack of understanding. It seems that Mr Darling has not realised that the hard shoulder is vital for use by the emergency services to quickly gain access to an accident site and for drivers and especially bikers to have a safe refuge in an emergency.

It is ironic that the need to consider such schemes only arises due to the government's ineptitude at tackling motorway congestion. Time and again, the ABD have called upon the government not just to widen many motorways, but also to carry out proper education campaigns advising drivers on correct lane discipline and correct usage of acceleration and deceleration lanes to adjust speed rather than doing so on the main carriageway (see http://www.abd.org.uk/tips.htm#4). Such measures together with proper enforcement aimed at those who misuse lanes would go a long way towards solving much motorway congestion but the government appear deaf to all such suggestions.

ABD Chairman Brian Gregory said: "This problem is one of the government's own making. They have had deliberate policies of underinvestment in infrastructure and have totally failed to understand the importance of road user education in both safety and congestion reduction. Instead of listening to road safety experts they have preferred the views of 'advisers' with an anti-car agenda"

Mr Gregory added: "This is typical of a government that has run out of ideas, but is desperate to be seen to be 'doing something'. To remove a vital emergency lane instead of installing extra lanes is a dangerous bodge and can only lead to confusion and an increase in danger. Motorists have paid many times over for a proper road system, the government should put motorists' taxes back where they belong, investing in necessary road improvements including extra lanes where necessary".

The Association of British Drivers is run on a voluntary basis to lobby for the beleaguered British motorist: "Reclaiming the roads for the people who pay for them"
"Demanding proper roads (and railways) in exchange for paying one seventh of all taxes"
"Debunking the nonsense you hear about the environmental impact of the car"
"Promoting effective road safety instead of the criminalisation of safe driving".