The AA has issued a warning for everyone who ignores a common motorway sign - and it's one all drivers must follow.
Although the sign is often ignored, drivers can land themselves with a fine of up to £100 and points on their licence. Ignoring it can also put themselves and other drivers in danger, reported The Mirror.
The sign in question is the red 'X' you can find on an overhead gantry while driving on a smart motorway. If you've ever driven on such a motorway before it is likely you've spotted at least one - in fact, you've probably seen several.
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Whether people think the sign is advisory, or simply choose to ignore it, it is vital to pay attention to the X, as Edmund King, AA president explained. He said: "These signs aren't optional - You must move over if you see a red 'X' above the lane you are in.
The sign serves as an important safety feature. He explained: "The red 'X' can be used to close a lane if there are people working in the road, someone's broken down or there's a different type of obstruction. You must not drive in the closed lane until the signs tell you that you can."
More advice on what to do when you see a lane with a red 'X' and about driving on smart motorways is available on the AA website.
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