News & Features

Record Number of Drivers Ignoring Red X Signs

Posted in General News on Monday, July 29th, 2024

Since 2021, more than 53,000 drivers have been caught by police enforcement cameras ignoring the Red X signs when using smart motorways across the UK. The Red X signs in the overhead gantries indicate that a lane is closed, and drivers should not use it. Drivers are encouraged to use the other open lanes, often at a reduced speed. It is usually active when an accident or other form of obstruction occurs. They might also be used by emergency services to get to an incident quicker.

Data analysed by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart highlighted that in 2021, 4,393 drivers were caught disobeying the rules by nine police forces. A further 20,773 motorists were caught on camera in 2022 by 11 forces. This increased to 28,231 last year from data captured from 21 forces using the enforcement cameras on smart motorways. 

According to IAM RoadSmart, almost all police forces with smart motorways within their boundary areas are now actively tackling this issue. Driving in a lane with a Red X displayed can result in a fixed penalty notice that carries a fine of up to £100 and three points on a licence. In some cases, a more serious punishment may be issued. IAM RoadSmart’s Director of Policy and Standards, Nicholas Lyes said “Ignoring a Red X sign on a smart motorway is dangerous because it risks a serious collision and for this reason, we welcome police forces clamping down on those who break the law.If a lane is closed on smart motorway, it usually indicates there is either a stranded vehicle ahead, people are working in the road, or there has been a collision.”

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