Thousands of Greater Manchester drivers fined for flouting red X signs on smart motorways
The symbol indicates that a lane is closed
More than 6000 motorists have been caught by police enforcement cameras disobeying Red X signs on smart motorways in Greater Manchester.
The police forces have been handing out penalties since 2021, to drivers who continue to use motorway lanes that are closed. The smart motorways in our region include the M6, M62, M60 and M56.
The Red X is often displayed when an obstruction such as a broken-down vehicle is detected in the road ahead. Closed lanes are also used by the emergency services attending those who might need urgent assistance at the incident in question.
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.”