Do you think more needs to be done to increase drivers' knowledge of how smart motorways work?

According to one report more motorists than you think don't understand what the red X means or what they should do if they break down without a hard shoulder nearby.

Independent watchdog Transport Focus claims Highways England should do more to help drivers understand how the motorways work.

The study which interviewed six focus groups across the UK shows that the majority of motorists are unsure what the features do, why they exist and even what a smart motorway is.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: "What’s been missing until now is an understanding of how road users experience smart motorways.

"The message to Highways England is that many millions of drivers successfully use smart motorways, but there is more to do to improve their understanding of how they work and what you should do if you break down."

What is a smart motorway?

According to the survey, "the term smart motorway does not resonate strongly with road users."

One driver asked said it "kind of rings a bell" and added that he didn't "know why".

Another suggested that smart motorways should be included in upcoming theory tests.

Possible ways to share information could be through road tax, driving licence forms and the highway code.

Understanding the features

According to the report, "many drivers do not fully understand how all these features work, how they interrelate to each other and how they benefit road users.

"For example, there is little knowledge of how traffic loops in the road detect slow-moving traffic and adjust speed limits to keep traffic flowing.

"There is an assumption that 'someone' is in charge of the system and is monitoring traffic conditions via CCTV, although knowledge is not widespread."

It added that drivers want to know when they can and can't use the hard shoulder, if they can return to a red X lane and if speed limits are advisory or mandatory.

The red X

Some motorists surveyed were unsure if the X was advisory or mandatory, what you should do if the sign changes when you pass underneath it and how soon you can return to the lane.

Some drivers also felt that firmer action should be taken against those who ignored the red X.

Emergency refuge areas

Smart motorways have these areas for road users to stop if the break down but according to the study they are the least recognised and least understood feature.

Some drivers said they'd prefer to have a hard shoulder as each ERA can be as far as 2.5 kilometres apart from each other while others doubted how closely the ERA cameras are monitored.

All-lane running

Drivers raised safety concerns over breaking down in an all-lane running section and if emergency services can get to an accident quickly despite there not being a hard shoulder.

One motorist said he thought not having a hard shoulder is "very dangerous" and that if he did break down he could "see there being some risk of someone coming into the back" of him.

If you do break down it is recommended that you switch your hazard lights on and use an ERA and contact Highways England, if there is not an ERA but you can move the vehicle, stop to a nearside lane or verge until you can exit.

If you cannot move, remain where you are with your seat belt on and call 999.