3-minute read
The government will start penalising drivers who ignore smart motorway lane closures. They are expected to introduce a fixed penalty in spring 2018 – here’s what you need to know in order to avoid a fine.
Smart motorways operate variable speed limits and can open the hard shoulder during busy periods in order to ease congestion and improve traffic flow. They are fully automated using roadside cameras.
Automated gantry signs above the motorway indicate when a lane is open or closed, and what the variable speed limit is (if no speed limit is displayed, the national limit applies). If a lane needs closing because of a blockage, accident or stranded vehicle, the gantry signs will show a large red X to indicate that motorists shouldn’t be using that lane.
With some drivers ignoring those warnings, however, the government will be modifying existing roadside cameras to automatically detect violations.
The government is expected to announce a fixed penalty of £100 and three penalty points for offenders – but, as the offence falls under driving without due care or attention or dangerous or reckless driving, this could increase to £2,500 depending on the severity of the incident.
It’s believed that the fixed penalty fine will be introduced in spring 2018 – some say it could be as early as March.
Driving in a closed motorway or dual carriageway lane is already illegal. But, as a lane on a smart motorway can be opened or closed at any time, some drivers are ignoring – or perhaps not noticing – the red X and continue to use the lane.
Highways England says that this is dangerous driving. They have already issued 80,000 warning letters to drivers who have broken smart motorway rules since 2016. Of those 80,000 warning letters, a third are specifically due to ignoring the closed lane warning signs.
There are already cameras installed on smart motorways, which monitor traffic conditions and catch speeding motorists.
In some areas, these cameras are being trialled to monitor the number of motorists using closed lanes.
Some stretches of the M1, M6, M42, M5 and M4 already have the camera infrastructure in place to see which motorists are using closed lanes when they shouldn’t be.
Further areas of smart motorway are expected on the M3, M23, M20, M8, M74 and A1(M). The government are also committed to improving driver safety by installing more refuge areas and laybys on smart motorways to use in emergencies.
The government have a number of safety tips for motorists using smart motorways. Here are some of the main ones that should help you avoid a fine:
For more information, we recommend that you read the government’s full guidance on using smart motorways.
Are you confused by the rules on smart motorways? Let us know in the comments below.
As the UK's biggest business insurance provider, we specialise in public liability insurance and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored tradesman insurance quote?
Start your quoteWe create this content for general information purposes and it should not be taken as advice. Always take professional advice. Read our full disclaimer
Keep up to date with Simply Business. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and follow us on social media.
Subscribe to our newsletter6th Floor99 Gresham StreetLondonEC2V 7NG
Sol House29 St Katherine's StreetNorthamptonNN1 2QZ
© Copyright 2022 Simply Business. All Rights Reserved. Simply Business is a trading name of Xbridge Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Registration No: 313348). Xbridge Limited (No: 3967717) has its registered office at 6th Floor, 99 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7NG.