Understanding the red X: A vital sign for motorway safety

Driving under a red X on a motorway is not only illegal—it’s dangerous. The red X indicates that a lane is closed, and continuing to drive in that lane puts lives at risk.

The red X is displayed to protect all road users. It may signal a collision, debris, roadworks, or other hazards ahead. It also creates a safe space for emergency services to respond to incidents or for highways workers to operate safely.

Roads Policing Sergeant Chris Bramhill explained:
In June, our officers were managing a lane closure on the M25 due to a broken-down lorry. Despite the clear red X displayed at the gantry before junction 30, 24 drivers ignored the signal and entered the closed lane. One of our highways colleagues was placing cones at the time—those drivers put him directly in harm’s way.
Red X signs are activated in advance of an incident to ensure emergency vehicles can reach the scene quickly and safely.
It’s not just a rule—it’s a safeguard. The red X is there to protect you, other drivers, and those working to keep the roads safe.

As part of our commitment to road safety, notices of intended prosecution have been issued to the drivers involved.

What to do when you see a red X:
• Move safely into an open lane well before reaching the red X.
• Follow any reduced speed limits displayed on the gantries.
• Never drive in a closed lane, even if the hazard appears to be behind you—the closure may continue further ahead.

Ignoring a red X can have serious consequences. Let’s all do our part to keep the roads safe.

Help us reduce road collisions and casualties in Essex and make our roads even safer. Report instances of poor and dangerous driving through Safer Essex Roads Partnership's Extra Eyes initiative.

More than ever, irresponsible, dangerous and illegal road behaviour is being recorded by road users. Through Extra Eyes this footage can be sent to, and reviewed by, an investigator within Road Policing at Essex Police.

Find out how by visiting Safer Essex Roads Partnership website.

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