New look emergency areas for drivers are being trialled on the M25.

The new bright orange emergency areas are being trialled to encourage drivers to stop in emergency situations, with the colour aimed to improve visibility.

The first area launched on the M25 anticlockwise between junctions 25 (Waltham Cross) and 24 (Potters Bar) and 22 further areas will bee added between junctions 23 (Hatfield) to 27 for the M11, and junctions 5 for the M26 and 7 for the M23 if the trial is successful.

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: "We recognise the public concern about smart motorways and we also believe that changes such as these will help drivers have confidence when using them and be clear about where they can stop in an emergency.

Borehamwood Times:

"That is why we are trialling these highly visible new style emergency areas. The bright orange colouring will make them as easy as possible to spot and should also discourage drivers from using them in non-emergency situations.

"This is just one of the ways we are helping drivers to understand smart motorways and their benefits. I hope it helps drivers feel more confident about using a smart motorway."

There will also be improved signage for the areas, and variable speed limits on these "smart roads" in order to improve awareness of smart motorway driving.