Drivers facing fines for flouting smart motorway rules

Drivers using the new smart motorway system on the M62 could face £100 fines for ignoring smart motorway lane closures.

Highways England says it expects penalties to be introduced from March for "dangerous" drivers ignoring red X signs on overhead gantries.

Road-side cameras to detect lane violations are now being tested.

A Highways England spokesman said: "We close lanes for a reason and drivers ignoring red Xs puts them and others at risk."

A permanent fourth lane opened between junctions 18 and 20 of the M62 this week as part of a phased opening of the smart motorway scheme.