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Motor vehicle drivers

Thousands of Drivers Risk £100 Fine and Penalty Points for Ignoring Lane Closed Signs on Smart Motorways

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Over 53,000 incidents of drivers ignoring lane closed signs on smart motorways have been recorded since 2021, with the majority of drivers expressing serious reservations about the safety of such roads. The research conducted by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has sparked a call for the Government to reassess the future of smart motorways, which have been criticized for their potential risks. While many drivers are unaware of the rules, ignoring red X signs on smart motorways can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points.

Key Takeaways:

  • Since 2021, over 53,000 incidents of drivers ignoring lane closed signs on smart motorways have been recorded.
  • The hard shoulder on smart motorways is converted into a live running lane, which can be closed in response to stopped vehicles or emergency situations.
  • National Highways staff switch on closed lane signs when stopped vehicles are detected in live lanes to prevent them from being hit and to protect emergency services.
  • Police forces have been equipped with enforcement cameras since September 2022 to prosecute motorists who illegally pass under a red X or enter a lane beyond the sign.
  • Ignoring a red X sign on a smart motorway can result in a fine of up to £100 and three penalty points, or more severe penalties and a court appearance in some cases.
  • Figures obtained by IAM RoadSmart reveal 4,393 incidents in 2021, rising to 20,773 in 2022 and 28,231 in 2023.
  • IAM RoadSmart director Nicholas Lyes stated that ignoring a red X sign is dangerous and risks a serious collision, and that the charity welcomes police forces clamping down on those who break the law.
  • A National Highways spokesperson noted that above 90% of drivers observe red X signals, but ignoring them is an offense that puts themselves and others at risk.

Statistics:

  • Since 2021, over 53,000 incidents of drivers ignoring lane closed signs on smart motorways have been recorded.
  • 4,393 incidents were recorded in 2021.
  • The number of incidents rose to 20,773 in 2022.
  • In 2023, 28,231 incidents of drivers ignoring lane closed signs on smart motorways were recorded.
  • National Highways staff switch on closed lane signs when stopped vehicles are detected in live lanes to prevent them from being hit and to protect emergency services.
  • Police forces have been equipped with enforcement cameras since September 2022.

Sources:

  • IAM RoadSmart, as referenced in the article.
  • A National Highways spokesperson, as referenced in the article.
  • Figures obtained by IAM RoadSmart following Freedom of Information requests to police forces.
  • A study conducted by IAM RoadSmart.

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