Recent experience of engine power problems while towing on the smart sections og M6 were easily the most stressful of my 50 plus years with a caravan. The section was still under build so no overhead signs but no hard shoulder either. Fortunately we made about 30 miles to a site at around 20mph but it was not funny at all. We did not leave at a service area since this was during the fuel crisis and lines back to the slip roads.
Looking at the refuges at each mile they appeared
little longer than the 12m outfit and had minimal run in to the active lane, again not a good place to do a standing start into a 60 mph lane.
Subsequently I have been told that some recovery companies will not recover you from smart motorways unless and until they have police or Highway agency vehicles escorting and protectiing the operation. While this is understandable it will take a while to organise and presumably cost.
I and a number of other caravanners I know feel these roads are very dangerous and should be avoided if possible. Difficult though if going to some ferries or long trips. If you feel the same please contact your MP and complain.
Looking at the refuges at each mile they appeared
little longer than the 12m outfit and had minimal run in to the active lane, again not a good place to do a standing start into a 60 mph lane.
Subsequently I have been told that some recovery companies will not recover you from smart motorways unless and until they have police or Highway agency vehicles escorting and protectiing the operation. While this is understandable it will take a while to organise and presumably cost.
I and a number of other caravanners I know feel these roads are very dangerous and should be avoided if possible. Difficult though if going to some ferries or long trips. If you feel the same please contact your MP and complain.