Motorway RED X Warning To Drivers

Feb 15, 2023

National Highways are urging drivers NOT to ignore the RED X signs on the motorways after one council has revealed it has prosecuted nearly 10,000 drivers for ignoring the signs. Everyone should be made aware that the RED X is there for all drivers safety for when lanes get closed for obstructions like Breakdowns, and accidents. These signs must be obeyed  to avoid potentially serious collisions.
Unfortunately there are far too many drivers who ignore the RED X signs and in doing so, put other drivers at risk of serious injury by driving in the closed lane. Drivers need to be aware that by ignoring the signs it is totally unacceptable and could lead to prosecution.
As of June 2019, there was a change in the legislation to say cameras could automatically detect all vehicles that ignored a RED X sign. As from September last year Police forces were able to enforce the cameras. Vehicles using the RED X lanes will be picked up on the cameras once they go under the RED X sign or entering the lane after the RED X sign and can expect fines of up to £100 and three points on their licence, or in some cases much more severe penalties or even a court case. National Highways claim that over 90% of drivers do comply with the signs but thousands of drivers have been prosecuted for not complying.
Drivers need to be aware that the RED X sign carries the same legal force as a Red Traffic Light, so with the new technology available the police can take immediate action and you can be fined and get points on your licence. The morale of this is that it's just not worth the risk driving in RED X lanes just to gain a few places in the queue.