New research conducted by IAM RoadSmart has found that more than 53,000 motorists have been caught by police enforcement cameras disobeying Red X signs on smart motorways since 2021.
Last year, a total of 21 police forces had used cameras to catch 28,231 drivers breaking the law. Almost all police forces with smart motorways within their boundary areas are now actively policing such offences.
The Red X is often used to close lanes on a smart motorway 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.
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.
Data from Highways Magazine suggests there were 24 fatalities on smart motorway in 2022, 14 of which occurred on motorways without a hard shoulder. Concerns have also been raised about whether radar technology to detect stranded vehicles is reliable.
IAM RoadSmart’s research revealed that almost 89 percent of 2,000 motorists surveyed believed that the hard shoulder on smart motorways should be reinstated immediately, indicating continued public hostility to the schemes.
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.”
What can employers do to help?
Business drivers, especially those covering high mileages, are likely to spend a lot of time on the motorway network. As a fleet or H&S manager, you can play a key role in ensuring that your business drivers are fully aware of how to use smart motorways correctly, and are always informed with the latest road safety developments.
IAM RoadSmart provides a Driving for Work course that offers a comprehensive training session for business and fleet drivers. The course is delivered by experienced Approved Driving Instructors, one to one, on-road, with the comfort and familiarity of each delegate’s own car. The course is tailored to each driver, targeting and nurturing whichever of their skills would most benefit their overall skill, confidence and safety at the wheel.
For more information about Driving for Work, or how IAM RoadSmart can help enhance your fleet, get in touch.
