Motorists warned of drastic changes to ‘Red X’ law on Smart Motorways

On YouTube, a GBD spokesperson explained: “When we left an emergency stopping area of ​​ERA BAY after a breakdown or repair, we always called the emergency number and had Lane 1 electronically closed so that we could safely re-enter. That has now changed.”

“There will no longer be a red cross on lane 1, but only a diversion with arrows, where you do not have to cross at all legally.

“As you know, most people stay in this lane until they see a red X!

“I actually can’t believe that the motorways have changed this and that this will soon result in an accident or worse, a fatality when exiting an ERA parking space, simply due to the fact that they are no longer allowed to temporarily close lane 1 while you increase your speed to exit.”

Officially, National Highways states that they can close lanes to help drivers return to the road as safely as possible.

They explain online: “Do not leave an emergency area without speaking to National Highways first. We can close the lane to help you get back on the highway safely. We can also put up signs and warn traffic that you are about to leave an emergency area.”

According to data analyzed by IAM RoadSmart, over 53,000 drivers have been caught ignoring red X signs on smart motorway routes.

The number increases every year. In 2022, 29,773 animals were caught and in 2023, 28,231 were discovered.

A GDB official said: “They tell you that if no vehicle follows the diversion with the little arrow, they will show you a red X.”

“But they still refuse to give me the red X, putting my life and, more importantly, the life of my client in danger.

However, ignoring a red X sign can result in drivers receiving a traffic fine.

Road users caught doing this face a hefty £100 fine and three points on their driving licence.

In a statement to Express.co.uk, National Highways said: “We want drivers to feel safe and secure on our roads, so we ask that they never leave an emergency stop without speaking to us first.”

“We can then put up the appropriate signs and signals to alert traffic that a vehicle is about to exit an emergency area. The technology on these stretches of highway provides our control room personnel with a number of options to ensure drivers exit the emergency area safely.”