The Road Haulage Association strongly supports the Department for Transport’s commitment to change the law, so that fixed penalties can be imposed by the police on drivers who ignore red X lane closure signs on motorways.
The announcement came today in its reply to the Commons transport select committee regarding all-lane running and is exactly along the lines the RHA urged in a press release in July.
“Bringing forward an effective deterrent is vital to ensure safety on our motorways. DfT action to make it clear why compliance with red Xs is important. The intermediate step of writing warning letters is also welcome,” says RHA director of policy Jack Semple.
“All-lane running is hugely important if we are to help make productivity gains in the UK economy. It is absolutely right that the DfT and Highways England maintain continuing dialogue with the committee and with organisations such as the RHA and we welcome the commitment to do so.
“The review of Emergency Refuge Areas and assurance that any design improvements identified will be applied to those already built should re-assure road users that the all-lane running programme will give us better use of the motorways without compromising safety.
It is right that Highways England presses ahead with its programme,” Semple said.
