Thousands of Drivers Fined After Ignoring Red X Rules
A red ‘X’ sign highlighted on a Smart Motorway, is used to indicate a lane closure and motorists are being reminded that this is a mandatory direction. This is now enforceable, and Police have the powers to send formal notices to a driver suspected of contravening the Red X and to issue a Penalty or Prosecution.
Since 2021 53,000 motorists have been sent fixed penalties or prosecutions because of these violations. Initially, many Police forces sent advisory letters, but almost all regions are now actively enforcing these contraventions. Drivers can expect to receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution followed by a fixed penalty of 3 points and £100 fine. If you ignore the Fixed Penalty or wish to contest the Penalty, you will be dealt with at the Magistrates’ Court under a prosecution process referred to as the Single Justice Procedure.
Smart motorways have faced widespread criticism and have been attributed for a number of road related fatalities. In respect of the red x, this may indicate an accident ahead or lane closure so it is a high risk incident to ignore these indications to ensure that other road users, recovery operators and road workers are protected. Since 2016 National Highways have run an awareness campaign named ‘Don’t ignore the Red X’ to promote compliance and raise awareness of the danger.
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards, 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.”
For advice relating to any motoring offence, fixed penalty or Notice of Intended Prosecution, call our team at SBC Motoring Law on 01332 987410 or email us at [email protected]
