A rising number of drivers are being caught ignoring ‘red X’ lane closure signs on smart motorways, according to IAM Roadsmart.
The road safety organisation said a Freedom of Information request had shown a total of 28,231 drivers were caught in 2023, compared with 20,773 in 2022, and 4,393 in 2021, with the number of police forces carrying out enforcement rising from nine to 21 in that time.
Enforcement cameras automatically detect vehicles passing illegally under a red X, which can result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 and three points or, in some cases, more severe penalties or a court appearance.
IAM Roadsmart 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. Disobeying the sign puts the lives of those in the vehicle as well as those ahead in danger.
“If you see a red X sign, you should slow down and move into an open lane when there is sufficient space to do so.
“The majority of drivers have serious reservations about the safety of smart motorways where the hard shoulder has been removed, and these figures are unlikely to persuade them they are safe.
“We know that no new all-lane running smart motorways will be built but it does beg the question of what we do with the existing stretches that are in operation? This is something the new government needs to give some serious thought to.”
