Emergency services have joined forces with National Highways to remind drivers not to ignore ‘red X’ lane closures after thousands of drivers have been hit by fines.

Drivers ignoring a red X sign face a fixed penalty of up to £100 and three points

The red X is used to show lane closures when an obstruction such as a broken-down vehicle is detected in the road ahead.

While National Highways says more than 90% of drivers comply with the warnings, there are still many instances of non-compliance – putting all involved in “incredible danger” while leaving drivers liable to a fixed penalty of up to £100 and three points.

The lane closure warnings have been enforced by cameras since June 2019 and Surrey Police was one of the first forces to begin enforcing camera-detected offences in November 2019.

Since then, the force has sent out 9,427 first Notices of Intended Prosecution of which more than – 4,926 – have so far completed a safety awareness course, while others selected alternative disposal options such as paying a fixed penalty or having the matter heard at court.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, said: “Red X signals are in place on the motorway for your safety and the safety of others.

“Sadly, there are too many instances where motorists fail to comply with a Red X signal and put others in incredible danger by driving in a closed lane.

“This is unacceptable and drivers who do so need to understand they face prosecution.”

The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives has warned drivers of the repercussions of using closed lanes.

Managing director Martin Flaherty said: “It is important to remember that 999 ambulances on blue lights may be trying to reach critically ill patients on motorway lanes where Red X signals are in force, for example, after a serious road traffic collision.

“If those lanes are blocked by drivers who should not be there, ambulance crews could be delayed in reaching patients who urgently need our life-saving skills.”

Antony Kildare, CEO of road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, added: “It’s quite simple, a Red X means trouble ahead and has exactly the same legal force as a red traffic light.

“With new technology the police can take action and you can be fined and have points placed on your licence. It’s just not worth the risk to gain a few places in the queue.”

However, the RAC has called for more research into why some 10% of drivers still don’t obey the signals.

Road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “For some time we’ve been concerned that red Xs displayed on signs at the side of the road aren’t nearly as clear as those positioned on gantries directly above each lane. We fear this may be a factor in some of the non-compliance. For this reason, it would be helpful to know drivers’ reasons for not obeying red Xs. If it’s the case drivers say they hadn’t seen or understood signs at the side of the road then there may be an argument for installing more expensive gantry signage.”

For National Highways advice on understanding Red X signals, please click here.