Dozens of 'impatient' motorists are facing fines and penalty points for 'putting lives at risk' on the M6 in Staffordshire. On Friday, May 1, a total of 25 drivers ignored the red X lane closure signs, which are used to indicate hazards such as stranded vehicles, emergency services, highway workers, or debris in the lane.
The Staffordshire Road Crime Team emphasized that the signs are 'there for a reason' and warned that ignoring them could have serious consequences. Motorists who fail to comply now face a £100 fine and three points on their driving licence.
Taking to social media to highlight the importance of paying attention, the team stated: 'When you drive under a Red X, you're not just being impatient - you're putting lives at risk. People working on our roads deserve to go home safely at the end of their shift.'
They added: 'Smart motorways rely on drivers paying attention and doing the right thing. Ignoring the signs isn't clever, and it's definitely not worth it. This week we saw how quickly a stranded vehicle can turn into serious injuries in under five minutes of a breakdown. Take a second. Slow down. Move over. Because someone's life could depend on it.'
The team also thanked those who remained patient and stayed out of the lane closures, acknowledging that there have been a number of serious motorway incidents this week that caused delays. 'We always try to open the road as quickly and safely as we can,' they said.
