Drivers have been warned they will face a £100 fine for ignoring lane closed signs on motorways.
Since September 2022, all police forces have been able to use enforcement cameras to prosecute motorists who illegally pass under a red X or enter a lane beyond one. This can result in a fine of up to £100 and three penalty points, or more severe penalties and a court appearance in some cases.
Adherence to red X signs is critical to smart motorway safety. National Highways' staff switch on the closed lane signs when stopped vehicles are detected in live lanes to prevent them being hit from behind and to help and protect the emergency services.
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However, new data suggests that up to one in ten drivers do not comply with the red X signs. Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for roads policing, said: "Red X signals are in place on the motorway for your safety and the safety of others.
"Sadly, there are too many instances where motorists fail to comply with a red X signal and put others in incredible danger by driving in a closed lane.
"This is unacceptable and drivers who do so need to understand they face prosecution." National Highways traffic officer Dave Harford said: "We don't take the decision to close lanes lightly, but when we do, drivers must obey the closure.
"A red X signal is there for the safety of everyone on the road - including people in difficulty, traffic officers, recovery and emergency services helping them, and all other road users besides."
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