A new change in the law has been introduced this month, which sees motorists instantly land a fine on the motorway.

What is the new motorway law?

From now on motorists can be fined £100 and land three penalty points if they ignore a lane closure on a smart motorway. A smart motorway is a section of a motorway that uses active traffic management methods to increase capacity and reduce congestion in, particularly busy areas. Smart motorways are set to become more commonplace in the U.K, so it’s important you get to grips with this new law.

Variable speed limits can be displayed on the gantries which are overhead and will help to ease the traffic flow. Closed lanes on these motorways can be marked by a red X. If a red X is displayed overhead then a driver should not travel in it. A driver caught in a lane with a red X displayed overhead can land a £100 fine and three penalty points.

Why is the new motorway law being introduced?

Edmund King, AA president said: “Although it has taken far too long, this is a welcome measure to improve safety on motorways.

“Our research shows that one in 20 drivers continue to drive in red X lanes, even when they’ve seen it and, so far, Highways England have written warning letters to over 180,000 drivers about their actions.

“Red X’s are put up to warn of an obstruction, so drivers must get out of the lane when they see them.

“We have had several incidents recently where AA members’ cars have been hit in a live lane on ‘smart’ motorways.”

RAC spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Our research found drivers understand very clearly what red Xs mean, yet worryingly far too many appear to have driven under one, dramatically putting themselves at risk of encountering a stationary vehicle or a worker in their path, and all the horrific consequences that could have.”