Highways England asks drivers to keep left except when overtaking

Keep left except when overtaking and ‘follow the signs’ to keep everyone moving

The new Highways England safety campaign is encouraging drivers to keep left except when overtaking, to help keep traffic flowing more freely, and to ‘follow the signs’ to keep everyone moving, that includes red X signs, which are used to close lanes, and variable speed limit signs, which help improve the flow of traffic and tackle stop-start conditions.

Red Xs are displayed on overhead electronic signs to close lanes for several reasons, including an accident or breakdown, debris in the carriageway, or because of a person or animal on the road. Lanes are also closed to help emergency services get through or to provide a safe space for road workers.

Ignoring a red X has been an offence since 1988, with drivers facing a £100 fine and three points on their licence. A new law was introduced earlier this month which will now enable enforcement by cameras after all the necessary testing and preparation has been completed.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, said: “Observation, anticipation and preparation are the key foundations of advanced driving and when it comes to motorway driving preparation is vital.  Most major delays on holiday routes are caused by unpredictable incidents such as breakdowns and collisions.

“Preparing yourself, your passengers and your car can minimise the risk and help everyone get on with enjoying their break. Taking care of the simple things like ensuring you have enough fuel, your load is safe and your route and stops are planned will leave you relaxed and unstressed to enjoy the drive.

“This is where the other two skills of advanced driving take over on your journey with observation of signs and traffic helping you anticipate what is happening ahead and giving you plenty of time to react. Unique skills are required to safely navigate our busy motorway network with special signs such as the red X that must be complied with and understood.

“If your motorway driving skills are rusty than an IAM RoadSmart motorway module could give you the confidence boost you need to enjoy a safe and relaxed road trip.”

Tips for motorway driving:

• Never drive in a lane closed by a red X.
• Keep to the speed limits shown on the gantries or signs.
• A hard shoulder is always identified by a solid white unbroken line - if there’s no speed limit displayed above it or a red X is displayed, do not use it except in emergency.
• A broken white line indicates a normal running lane.
• If the hard shoulder is being used as an extra lane, use the designated emergency areas for emergencies.
• If your vehicle experiences difficulties, eg warning light, exit the motorway immediately, if you can safely do so.
• Most breakdowns are preventable - keep your car well maintained, check your tyres and make sure you have enough fuel for your journey. Don’t stop except in an emergency. If you have to stop make sure you know what to do.