New enforcement for smart motorways

Red 'X' - means that drivers caught on camera who ignore a red 'x' on smart motorways will automatically receive a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points.

The red 'x' on a smart motorway indicates the lane ahead is closed as there may have been an accident. Ignoring the sign may prevent emergency vehicles reaching an incident - or endanger the lives of someone stranded or working to recover a vehicle in the lane.

According to a recent survey from the RAC, a fifth of drivers admitted to ignoring red 'x' signs - and figures from Highways England seem to back this up. 180,000 warning letters having been issued to drivers who've ignored the signs on the 300+ miles of smart motorway since 2017.

Here are some useful tips for using a smart motorway from the Gov.uk website:

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  Never drive in a lane closed by a red ‘x’
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  Keep to the speed limit shown on the gantries
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  A solid white line indicates the hard shoulder – don’t drive on it unless directed
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  A broken white line indicates a normal running lane
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  If your vehicle experiences difficulties exit the smart motorway as soon as possible
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  Use the refuge areas for emergencies if there is no hard shoulder
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  Put your hazard lights on if your break down

For more driving advice take a look at our Driving Insights newsletter here.