Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner has backed MPs' calls for urgent checks over the safety of smart motorways.

The controversial stretches of road see the hard shoulder removed and lanes closed when needed using electronic overhead signs, but they have come under fire over their safety.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott speaks about concerns over smart motorways

Several Kent MPs have backed calls to review the safety of using smart motorways, particularly along the M20.

Now, the county's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott has also thrown his weight behind the issue, saying he feels there are valid concerns.

Mr Scott said: "I think there are legitimate concerns about the number of refuge places, which don't seem to be adequate.

"The M20 itself is quite poorly lit at night, so someone breaking down in the live carriageway could be at increased risk of danger.

"I think the government need to look at all the options. I think they need to consider refuge spaces, they need to consider technology, but they also need to consider education as well."

Kent Highways responded: "In March 2020, the government published a smart motorway evidence stocktake and action plan which found that in most ways smart motorways are as safe, or safer than, the conventional ones - but not in every way.

"We are currently working to implement the recommendations of the stocktake. Meanwhile, we continue to encourage safe driving on all our roads and have delivered a number of campaigns to further educate and assist drivers."

Avoid getting stuck on Kent's roads by keeping up-to-date on all of the latest traffic and travel news here or by following our live blog.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent