Smart motorway drivers are facing criminal convictions and substantial financial penalties for ignoring 'red X' lane closure signs. Research indicates that since the start of this year, 378 drivers have been convicted for this offence after being detected by automatic cameras.
These convictions have led to total fines of £48,409, costs of £33,255, and victim surcharges amounting to £20,183. Most drivers found guilty also incur three penalty points on their licence, with some facing driving bans if they already have existing points.
The 'red X' signs are used to close lanes temporarily due to incidents such as collisions, broken-down vehicles, or the presence of workers on the carriageway. The RAC has expressed concern regarding drivers continuing to disregard these signs, emphasising their critical role in ensuring safety, particularly on motorways where the hard shoulder has been removed.
Recent cases include Paul Hollowell, 56, who was fined £384 and received three penalty points, and Miles Luckett, 33, who received a £72 fine and three penalty points. Christopher Harvey, 60, and Andreas Charalambous, 65, were also fined and given penalty points for similar offences on the M25.