Drive to tell motorists how to use the UK's new smart motorway, as it opens

The Highways Agency is telling drivers to not drive in motorway lanes with a red X displayed ahead of the opening of the new smart motorway sections being introduced on the M25 on Monday.

The smart motorways, between junctions 23 and 27 in Hertfordshire/Essex and between junctions 5 and 6/7 in Kent/Surrey, use technology and road layout changes with the aim of reducing congestion and easing traffic flow. The hard shoulder has been permanently converted to a traffic lane, unlike with previous 'managed motorways' introduced on the network.

Variable speed limits and using the hard shoulder as an extra traffic lane work together with control measures, such as CCTV, to improve reliability of journey times, without compromising the safety of road users, according to the HA.

As part of the traffic management, signals show a red X when a lane is closed. The Freight Transport Association said it was concerned that motorists may not be aware of what the changes mean. Malcolm Bingham, the FTA's head of road network management policy, said: "Drivers need to make themselves aware of the changes to the road, and ensure they are as smart in the use of the road as the technology is on these new sections."

John Martin, Highways Agency senior project manager, said: “We want to remind drivers it is essential they understand the importance of the red X and comply with it. A red X will be displayed because a lane is closed due to an incident or some other obstruction. Driving in a red X lane is dangerous and could lead to prosecution.”

A second stretch of smart motorway is to be opened between junctions 5 (Sevenoaks/A21) to 7 (M23 exit) in May.