Cameras Crack Down on Red X Lane Jumpers from June!
New Law Targets Motorway Rule Breakers
From 10 June 2019, motorway red X signs — those clear lane-closure warnings — will finally be enforced by cameras. Thanks to a new law, Highways England can automatically slap Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) on drivers who blatantly ignore these signs on motorway gantries.
Fines and Points to Hit Rule-Breakers Hard
Motorists caught on camera dodging the red X could face a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence. Currently, only police officers can issue FPNs for this offence, but with fewer traffic cops on patrol, many offenders have been getting away unpunished.
Highways England Steps Up Safety Game
- Since early 2017, over 180,000 warning letters have been sent out to red X offenders.
- Now, the new camera system will work like speed cameras, with local police forces issuing penalties.
Mike Wilson, chief highways engineer at Highways England, said: “Our motorways are already among the safest in the world but this move will make them even safer. Red X signs protect drivers from dangers ahead. Most drivers obey, but the few who ignore them put everyone at risk. We welcome this auto-enforcement and the boost to road safety it will bring.”
Why Red X Signs Matter
Wilson added: “Red Xs warn of obstructions. Drivers must move out of those lanes immediately. We’ve had several recent incidents where AA members’ cars were hit while stuck in a lane on ‘smart’ motorways.”
Get ready — ignore a red X sign on the motorway, and you could be snapped, fined, and points hit your licence before you know it.
