An investigation reveals a surge in drivers flouting smart motorway rules, with over 53,000 motorists fined for ignoring 'Red X' signs on overhead gantries in the past three years, according to road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.
The 'Red X' indicates a closed lane due to potential hazards, often a disabled vehicle or to clear a path for emergency services. Drivers are required to move to an open lane immediately. Despite this, violations have increased ten-fold recently, raising concerns about smart motorway safety.
Enforcement and Fines
Data from police forces enforcing these rules shows a significant rise in penalties. In 2021, only nine forces issued fines, catching 4,393 drivers. This increased to 20,773 in 2022 and 28,231 in 2023, with 21 forces now using enforcement technology. Fines start at £100 and three penalty points, but can exceed £100 and lead to court appearances for severe cases.
Surrey Police has issued the most fines, with 11,360 drivers caught on the M3, M23, and M25. Thames Valley Police and Greater Manchester Police follow with 9,957 and 6,120 fines respectively.
Safety Concerns
Independent campaigner Meera Naran MBE, whose son died in a smart motorway collision, emphasises the importance of the 'Red X' for safety. "Every second counts in an emergency," she says, highlighting the risks posed by drivers ignoring these signs.
Smart motorways were designed to reduce congestion by using all lanes, including the hard shoulder. However, criticism has grown due to fatalities on sections without a safe pull-off area. In 2022, there were 24 fatalities on smart motorways, 14 on those without hard shoulders.
Public Opinion and Future of Smart Motorways
A poll by IAM RoadSmart found 89% of 2,000 motorists want the hard shoulder reinstated. Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy, stresses the danger of ignoring 'Red X' signs, which can lead to serious collisions.
Earlier this year, the BBC reported frequent power losses in technology monitoring smart motorways, compromising driver safety. National Highways disputed these claims, but their own report showed a 10% increase in serious injuries and deaths on smart motorways without hard shoulders.
Political Response
In April 2023, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak halted new smart motorway projects but did not address the existing 400 miles. The Labour Party has pledged to review the safety of these motorways if elected. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh stated Labour would assess whether current smart motorways are safe and develop a comprehensive road safety strategy.
As of April 2024, England has 396 miles of smart motorways. Continued public scrutiny and government actions will shape their future and the safety measures implemented.
