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Drivers warned they face £100 fines when driving on motorways due to common mistake

Research from IAM RoadSmart revealed more than 53,000 incidents of drivers ignoring Red X lane closures on UK smart motorways since 2021, which signal stopped vehicles or active emergencies ahead.
Figures obtained by IAM RoadSmart show illegal lane usage rose from 4,393 recorded incidents in 2021 to 20,773 in 2022 and 28,231 in 2023, despite police gaining enforcement powers in September 2022.
A National Highways spokesperson said "Above 90% of drivers observe Red X signals, but ignoring Red X signals is an offence and puts themselves and others at risk," as police now use enforcement cameras to prosecute.
Drivers caught illegally passing a Red X signal face penalties of up to £100 and three penalty points, measures authorities state prevent collisions on smart motorways where the hard shoulder has been removed.
IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said the government must give "serious thought" about the future of the roads, citing public concerns regarding smart motorway safety and hard shoulder removal.

Insights by Ground AI