1. Please confirm whether National Highways has received any instructions or targets from government to reduce use of the red X lane closures on smart motorways. If the answer is yes, please confirm:
a. when the instructions or targets were given
b. by whom
c. to whom
d. please provide the full text of the instructions/targets given
e. please provide a copy of all communications between National Highways and members of the government / civil servants in respect of such instructions / targets
f. whether National Highways believes it is legally required to follow such instructions and/or implement such targets
g. whether any risk assessment was carried out in response (if so, please provide a copy)
h.. Please provide a copy of National Highways' policy in respect of red X lane closures before receiving such instructions/targets and a copy of any revised policy after recieving such instructions/targets
2. Please confirm whether National Highways staff or departments have been given any instructions or targets to reduce use of red X lane closures on smart motorways. If the answer is yes, please confirm:
a. Who made the decision to introduce such instructions or targets
b. What was the reason for the decision and what evidence was considered when making the decision
c. When this decision was made and when it was communicated to staff (please provide a copy of such communication)
d. Whether any risk assessment was undertaken before giving such instructions or targets (and if so, please provide a copy)
e.. Whether any part of staff members' performance is assessed relating to their compliance with these instructions / targets
f. Whether any part of staff members' remuneration (including any bonuses) is affected by their having met or not met such instructions or targets
g. Please provide a copy of all internal communications, reports, assessments and meeting notes relating to the decision to implement such instructions or targets
h. Please provide a copy of National Highways' policy in respect of red X lane closures before deciding to implement such instructions/targets and a copy of any revised policy after giving such instructions/targets
i. Please provide a copy of all internal communications, reports, assessments and meeting notes relating to any safety concerns or increase in accidents following the decision to implement such instructions or targets.
j. Please confirm whether National Highways is collecting and monitoring evidence of the safety implications of such instructions or targets.
