Red X means don’t drive in that lane

[AndyB]

I think that's because it's using the current X from the lane control signals, which are slightly uncommon. Wigwags would probably draw more attention?

[kit]

I think that's because it's using the current X from the lane control signals, which are slightly uncommon. Wigwags would probably draw more attention?

I think we need to be realistic here, I know on the news they say people are using them "by mistake" but I would cynically suggest that it is often a mistake that happens to be advantageous to the (Audi or BMW) driver.

I still remember the first time I drove on a smart motorway, the M42, and the signals were as clear then as they are today. With more and more smart miles the majority of drivers should be familiar.

[Fenlander]

We've spent years and years telling people not to drive on the hard shoulder and how dangerous a place it was to be yet still people parked on it for various reasons and others used it as a private lane, that kind of deliberate misuse was always going to continue but now with the added numptiness of not knowing/misunderstanding the various incarnations of smart motorways.

[darkcape]

I saw an interesting report today suggesting that drivers were in some instances 25% more likely to strike a cone taper when no red x's are set to protect the works. Also anecdotally hearing that HE use of red x for roadworks varies greatly across the country. Northern control centres far less likely to use red x than down south. From personal experience I've never had an issue with requesting red x's to protect lane closures.

[kit]

I saw an interesting report today suggesting that drivers were in some instances 25% more likely to strike a cone taper when no red x's are set to protect the works. Also anecdotally hearing that HE use of red x for roadworks varies greatly across the country. Northern control centres far less likely to use red x than down south. From personal experience I've never had an issue with requesting red x's to protect lane closures.

One thing I've wondered, if red Xs are requested to protect roadworks is there an effort made to start the roadworks shortly after the gantry - or is the start predetermined and the nearest red Xs to the start are illuminated?

Anecdotally they seem well used, and observed, when used for overnight roadworks on the M40.

[darkcape]

One thing I've wondered, if red Xs are requested to protect roadworks is there an effort made to start the roadworks shortly after the gantry - or is the start predetermined and the nearest red Xs to the start are illuminated?

Anecdotally they seem well used, and observed, when used for overnight roadworks on the M40.

Start of cones usually dictates which gantries are lit. The gantries are frequent enough that it doesn't matter.

[ManomayLR]

On the M1- signs showing use/don't use hard shoulder just gone- red X compliance very good.

[J--M--B]

There are reported to have been delays in the Clyde Tunnel this morning.

Fault at Clyde Tunnel causing tailbacks onto the M8

Motorists on social media suggested the 'fault' was a red cross showing a closed lane despite the lane being open - leading traffic to slow as cars moved into single file.

[ManomayLR]

Ooh.. I don't know what could have caused it but can't HE sort out the gantry malfunction from the RCC and display a message that the lanes are open?

[RichardA35]

Ooh.. I don't know what could have caused it but can't HE sort out the gantry malfunction from the RCC and display a message that the lanes are open?

Unlikely given the location. Message sign also unlikely to be much use if only displayed south of Carlisle.....

[Helvellyn]

Ooh.. I don't know what could have caused it but can't HE sort out the gantry malfunction from the RCC and display a message that the lanes are open?

Unlikely given the location. Message sign also unlikely to be much use if only displayed south of Carlisle.....

Even if they could I think that putting up with a day of congestion is preferable to having any message that says "ignore red Xs", even as a one-off.

[ManomayLR]

Ooh.. I don't know what could have caused it but can't HE sort out the gantry malfunction from the RCC and display a message that the lanes are open?

Unlikely given the location. Message sign also unlikely to be much use if only displayed south of Carlisle.....

Even if they could I think that putting up with a day of congestion is preferable to having any message that says "ignore red Xs", even as a one-off.

Actually, contradicting myself here, it's very true that using a message saying ignore red X could be an issue when legitimate red Xs are set in the future.

[RichardA35]

Where's the "Whoosh" smiley as this one has obviously gone straight over your head? HE do England, this was in Scotland....

[M4 Cardiff]

There were some problems on the m6 southbound this morning, with the motorway closed at Spaghetti. In advance of this there were massive queues. On the lead in to Spaghetti, the lanes were funnelled down using red X . Not surprisingly, there were an odd few queue jumpers using the closed lane . One would assume that for whatever reason, the gantry mounted cameras that overlook a single lane each ,cannot be set to detect someone using a closed lane.

[Junction21]

There were some problems on the m6 southbound this morning, with the motorway closed at Spaghetti. In advance of this there were massive queues. On the lead in to Spaghetti, the lanes were funnelled down using red X . Not surprisingly, there were an odd few queue jumpers using the closed lane . One would assume that for whatever reason, the gantry mounted cameras that overlook a single lane each ,cannot be set to detect someone using a closed lane.

I believe the gantry mounted cameras are linked to the variable speed limit displays, so if a red 'X' was showing it would detect a vehicle driving down a closed lane automatically, in much the same way as they record speeding etc.

[ais523]

IIRC most older VMS enforcement cameras can't tell which lane a vehicle's in. That issue's been fixed with the most recent versions, but there are still lots of the older cameras around.

[ManomayLR]

Recently I saw a verge mounted MS4 on the M25 closing the ALR motorway. Three HUGE red Xs with flashing red lights and capital letters:

Code: Select all

STOP
ROAD CLOSED

[nowster]

Recently I saw a verge mounted MS4 on the M25 closing the ALR motorway. Three HUGE red Xs

And our survey said... [NASTY ELECTRONIC NOISE]

[ManomayLR]

Recently I saw a verge mounted MS4 on the M25 closing the ALR motorway. Three HUGE red Xs

And our survey said... [NASTY ELECTRONIC NOISE]

But flashing red lights and no red X - what would that look like?

[nowster]

But flashing red lights and no red X - what would that look like?

I don't think that's allowable with an MS4.