RHA calls for new penalty regime for Red X driving offences . .

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RHA calls for new penalty regime for Red X driving offences

Cited at:

https://www.rha.uk.net/news/press-releases/2016-07-july/rha-calls-for-new-penalty-regime-for-red-x-driving

The Road Haulage Association calls on the government to introduce a camera-based fixed penalty regime for those drivers who ignore Red X lane closures on motorways.

Commenting, RHA director of policy Jack Semple said: "We do not make a habit of calling for new penalties for drivers but, in this case, the law has fallen behind what is needed to ensure our roads run smoothly and safely."

"It is already an offence to go through a Red X but the only way of imposing a penalty is for a police officer to be on the spot and witness the offence taking place. A camera-based system would allow effective remote enforcement.

"The transport select committee's report on all-lane running rightly highlighted widespread flouting of the Red X law. This increases road safety risks where there is a need for a lane closure. It is also frustrating for law-abiding drivers to see others going to the head of the queue illegally.

"We need a transformation in road users' attitudes to observing Red X signals, which are little different from a red traffic signal on other roads. But there is an alarming difference in attitude among drivers to these two types of signal.

"A change in the law would allow an effective sanction against drivers and would be likely to lead to the change in behaviours needed for road safety. At the same time, Highways England and other road authorities would be under close scrutiny to ensure that the use of Red X lane closures was appropriate and necessary.

"This is a measure that the Department for Transport should introduce as a matter of urgency. Properly explained and implemented, such a measure would be welcomed by the haulage industry and all responsible drivers."

- See more at: https://www.rha.uk.net/news/press-releases/2016-07-july/rha-calls-for-new-penalty-regime-for-red-x-driving#sthash.pGL3ibeZ.dpuf

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