Drivers who used ‘red X’ lanes on M42 set to be hit by fines

Scores of drivers who ignored lane closure warnings on a local motorway face stiff penalties after police pledged to prosecute the culprits.

Warwickshire Police said motorists who disregarded a ‘red X’ sign above blocked lanes on the M42, between junction 9 for the A446 at Coleshill and junction 8 for link to the northbound M6, face a fine and penalty points on their licence in the crackdown.

Police were stunned when drivers overlooked the warning signs and continued travelling in the closed lanes following a collision on Wednesday (2nd March).

Some motorists even slowed down to film recovery work at the crash scene.

Offenders now face three penalty points and a £100 fine.

A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police said: “A red X above a lane means you should not proceed.

“Drivers are being re-advised this information following an accident earlier on Wednesday morning between Junctions 9 and 8 southbound on the M42. The officers attending noted how many people were sailing through red X markings.

“Officers dealing with the accident were also shocked at the number of drivers actually filming the emergency services working on the casualties.

“Each driver seen doing this can also expect a Notice of Intended Prosecution which gifts them a fine of £100 and three points. The drivers witnessed will get their fines shortly.”

Read more: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/drivers-who-used-red-x-10981717