RAC survey shows almost one in four have ignored red X

According to a new survey by the RAC, twenty-three per cent of drivers have admitted to having disregarded the red X sign on smart motorways.

The survey of 2,093 members of the RAC Opinion Panel who had driven on a smart motorway in the last year confirmed more than eight in 10 drivers (84%) had seen a red X appear on the verge-mounted or overhead gantry electronic variable message signs, and have disregarded this either occasionally but by accident (19%), accidentally (1%) or occasionally on purpose (3%).
Among those, there is no doubt whatsoever as to the meaning of the red X with 99% saying that it signifies the lane is closed.

Hundreds of miles of smart motorways across England now use the hard shoulder as either a permanent or part-time running lane.

View the RAC's guide to driving on smart motorways

Source:
Green Fleet