A reporter driving past the aftermath of a collision on the M6 near Preston was appalled to see dozens of motorists ignoring a red X sign and speeding through a closed lane, putting recovery workers at risk.
LancsLive senior reporter Amy Fenton approached the scene on Sunday, October 18, where a car transporter lorry appeared to have been involved in an incident. Highways officers had closed lane one to allow the safe recovery of the vehicles, and the situation was worsened because the M6 at that location was already reduced by one lane due to ongoing roadworks.
Red X signs ignored
Around two miles before the scene, a red X sign appeared on the gantry to warn motorists not to drive in that lane. Despite this, Fenton witnessed dozens of vehicles speeding past in the closed lane as traffic in the remaining three lanes moved slowly due to the roadworks. Most drivers only exited the lane a couple of hundred yards before traffic cones forced them to do so.
Ignoring a red X is a criminal offence. According to the National Highways website: "It’s illegal and dangerous to drive in a Red X lane. If you’re caught, you could receive a fixed penalty of up to £100 and three points, and in some cases more severe penalties or a court appearance."
Safety rules and worker risk
Rule 258 of the Highway Code and The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 state: "Red flashing light signals and a red ‘X’ on a sign identify a closed lane in which people, stopped vehicles or other hazards are present. You: MUST follow the instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to move safely to an open lane; MUST NOT drive in a closed lane. A sign will inform you when the lane is no longer closed by displaying a speed limit or the word ‘END’."
Inches away from the closed lane, several National Highways traffic officers stood in the carriageway dealing with the incident. Fenton noted that these officers put themselves in hazardous situations daily to keep traffic moving and do not deserve to be put in greater danger by drivers seeking to shorten their journey by a few seconds.
