TURNING a stretch of the M4 into a 'Smart Motorway' will lead to more traffic, more pollution and greater danger for drivers, protesters claim. 

Campaigners against the multi-million pound plan to turn the stretch of motorway between junction 12 and junction three 'smart', gathered outside Maidenhead Town Hall in opposition to the plan today.

If given the go-ahead the hard shoulder could be turned into an extra lane, something campaigners say will only make the road more congested and dangerous when a car breaks down. 

However work will not start until after a six-month evaluation is complete.

The Campaign for Better Transport and Reading Friends of the Earth will both submit evidence against the plans highlighting environmental and safety issues.

Sian Berry a member of the Campaign for Better Transport said: “We have major concerns about the safety to road users with the loss of the hard shoulder as a place to stop in an emergency. This will only make the motorway more dangerous and congested when anyone breaks down."

She also claims the estimated £600 - 900million cost is an 'astronomical sum' which could be better spent on roads and public transport. 

A managed motorway, without a hard shoulder conversion, would be quicker, cheaper and safer the campaigners say.

John Booth, Reading Friends of the Earth said: “The government needs to realise that by allowing traffic growth on this stretch of the M4 a huge strain will be put on the surrounding local road network. As well as jamming up local streets and junctions the additional traffic on local roads will make them more dangerous and put lives at risk.”  

Friends of the Earth claim the greatest risk is from the 'hidden killer' - air pollution - and say extra traffic caused by the scheme would just add to the problem.