The overhead gantries on smart motorways display a red ‘X’ if the lane beneath is closed. Ignoring this sign could cost you £100, with police using camera evidence to issue fines.
In the past, fines were only levied to drivers using closed lanes if they were pulled over by a police officer at the time of the offence.
Highways England issued more than 180,000 warning letters to drivers who actively ignored lane closures before the fines were introduced.
The RAC welcomed the move, saying “It is right that offenders are punished with a substantial fine. The sooner the message gets through to motorists, the safer it will become for every motorway user”.
“Driving on a smart motorway lane that has been closed by a red ‘X’ sign is extremely dangerous. It is incredibly frustrating for law-abiding drivers to see others flouting red ‘X’ signs, and those ignoring them are a danger to themselves and others.”
One in 20 remain in closed lanes
Many motorways across the UK have been made ‘smart’ with the installation of gantries and the opening of the hard shoulder as a working lane. The gantries can be used to slow traffic down or close lanes, in order to keep stopped vehicles safe.
AA research indicates that one in 20 drivers remain in red ‘X’ lanes even after seeing that they are closed. The organisation has commended the use of cameras to improve safety.
“A red ‘X’ isput up to warn of an obstruction, so drivers must get out of the lane when they see them,” said Edmund King, president of the AA.
“We have had several incidents recently where AA members’ cars have been hit in a live lane on smart motorways.”
ALSO READ:
Petrol station drive-offs: what does the law say?
How to move over safely for emergency vehicles
How to drive safely on a smart motorway