HWY/Motorway/TBT-HWY-009

Motorway Working (Smart Motorways)

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Motorway Working (Smart Motorways)

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-HWY-009  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Smart motorways use technology to manage traffic flow and may have no permanent hard shoulder.
  • Working on smart motorways carries extreme risk due to high-speed traffic and variable lane use.
  • All works must comply with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual and GD 308 standards.
  • An Impact Protection Vehicle (IPV) is mandatory for most works on high-speed roads.
  • Lane closures require coordination with National Highways regional operations centres.
  • Emergency refuge areas (ERAs) replace the hard shoulder on all-lane-running sections.
  • Workers face risks from live traffic, especially during setup and removal of traffic management.
  • Speed compliance and driver attention reduce significantly during long motorway work zones.
  • All operatives must hold the correct Highways England sector scheme qualifications.
  • Fatalities among road workers on smart motorways have prompted major safety reviews.

Why?

Extreme dangerHigh-speed traffic passing within metres of operatives creates a constant risk of fatal vehicle incursion into work areas.
Legal complianceChapter 8 and GD 308 set mandatory requirements — non-compliance can result in prosecution and contract termination.
Worker protectionCorrect signing, guarding, and IPV deployment are the only barriers between workers and vehicles travelling at up to 70 mph.
Public safetyPoorly managed motorway works increase the risk of serious collisions affecting road users and workers alike.
Do Don't
  • Follow Chapter 8 and GD 308 requirements for all motorway works
  • Deploy an IPV with a crash cushion before setting out cones or signs
  • Attend the pre-work briefing covering traffic management and escape routes
  • Wear full hi-vis clothing compliant with Chapter 8 standards at all times
  • Maintain awareness of live traffic lanes and variable speed limits
  • Communicate with the regional operations centre before starting any closure
  • Use vehicle-mounted arrow signs and LED warning beacons as specified
  • Keep all plant and materials inside the protected working area
  • Follow the planned sequence for setting out and removing traffic management
  • Report any incursion, near miss, or sign damage immediately
  • DON'T enter a live carriageway lane on foot without traffic management in place
  • DON'T work ahead of the IPV during setup or removal operations
  • DON'T stand between the IPV and oncoming traffic at any time
  • DON'T assume the hard shoulder is available — it may be a live lane
  • DON'T alter traffic management arrangements without authorisation
  • DON'T remove signs or cones in a different order to the approved plan
  • DON'T park personal vehicles outside designated safe areas on motorways
  • DON'T allow pedestrian crossings of live lanes under any circumstances
  • DON'T ignore variable message sign settings that affect your work area
  • DON'T become complacent — most incidents happen during routine operations

See also: Chapter 8 Signing and Guarding | IPV (Impact Protection Vehicle) Use
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