Electric cars too heavy for Britain's motorways could smash through outdated barriers, government warned
Heavy electric cars could turn motorways into death traps because Britain’s crash barriers are dangerously outdated, experts have warned.
The Government has been pushed to conduct an urgent safety review as plug-in vehicles become more popular.
The Vehicle Restraint Manufacturers Association (VRMA) says the metal fences that line roads and bridges are designed to 1998 standards, and capable of stopping only traditional 1.5-ton petrol or diesel cars.
Electric cars can weigh up to twice as much due to their hefty batteries.
An electric VW travelling on the M6 motorway. The Vehicle Restraint Manufacturers Association (VRMA) says existing crash barriers are incapable of stopping heavy electric vehicles
The VRMA, which represents the crash barrier industry, warned in a letter to the Government: ‘The failure to address this issue could lead to preventable fatalities, more severe accidents and legal liabilities for governing authorities.’
In 2023, National Highways commissioned a £30,000 study to examine the risks but the findings have yet to be released.
This has promoted the VRMA to warn that the lack of an 'immediate response to these concerns leaves the UK's road network vulnerable to safety failures'.
National Highways said at time it did not know of any crash barrier tests involving electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, a study by the University of Nebraska last year found that electric vehicles, which can be up to 50 per cent heavier than petrol cars, have a lower centre of gravity due to heavier batteries and are capable of smashing through crash barriers in the US.
Due to their heavy batteries, electric cars can weigh up to twice as much as their traditional counterparts
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A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'Standards on high-speed roadside barriers are continually under review and National Highways is currently exploring any updates needed.
'Meanwhile, there is a comprehensive programme of upgrades in place and National Highways has installed or renewed over 900 miles of safety barriers between 2020 and 2024, prioritising the busiest motorways to ensure maximum benefit.'
Last month, battery-powered cars made up a quarter of new cars registered in the UK.
The Zero Emission Vehicle mandate requires all mainstream vehicle makers to up their EV sales to represent 28 per cent of all cars sold in 2025.
