The latest addition to smart motorways
Drivers could face fines of up to £100 and three points on their license thanks to new motorway cameras that can identify when you are driving in a closed lane.
Smart motorways have been introduced incrementally across the UK since 2006 – however many people often disobey the digital signage and road guidelines as-and-when it appears on their in-car screens – one of those being when a motorway lane is closed.
However, new motorway camera technology will now be able to identify motorists driving in closed lanes, which is illegal under the highway code.
National Highways: Yorkshire shared the following post on their Twitter, urging drivers to stick to the guidance and abide by the red Xs on smart motorways, with the slogan: “There’s no eXcuse”.
There's no eXcuse – don't ignore the red X. It's illegal to drive in a red X lane and motorway cameras can now automatically detect drivers who flout the law. You could receive a £100 fine and get 3 points on your licence. #KeepUsAllMoving @WYP_RPU pic.twitter.com/bvMq07s7JP
— National Highways: Yorkshire (@HighwaysYORKS) October 11, 2021
However, people on social media have taken issue with the advice, as many still believe that smart motorways are causing more confusion than clarity.
Oh fantastic this was they was cutting the grass on m1 near Derby and it was about 3 Miles when national sign was displayed after the roadworks had ended but you see you pass through cameras so you do worry and wonder if you are going to get ticket ? Even when you have passed
— Alex Buttery (@Alexbuttery98) October 11, 2021
While the purpose of these new motorway cameras is to crackdown on those flagrantly breaking the law, others are more concerned about the mixed messaging that is causing uncertainty and more accidents on motorways.
Signs dont make sense somedays. 60, 40, 50, national, 40, drivers dont know what the hell to do, and then we wonder why accidrnts happen as people are braking to adhere to the law.
— Ken Quinn (@Quinny1808) October 11, 2021
Others also pointed out that while driving in closed lanes is not allowed, neither are many other behaviours that drivers are not being penalised for.
Also illegal to drive in the middle lane if you are not overtaking but you don’t enforce this or have it up on the boards.
— richardc1983 (@richardc1983) October 11, 2021
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