National Highways released dramatic video footage of the moment a car rammed into a patrol vehicle to avoid a temporary lane closure on the M6.
The clip, shot by a National Highways traffic officer car near Keele in April 2020, shows an increasingly furious driver tailgating the patrol vehicle, which was gradually bringing traffic to a halt so that crews could repair a pothole further down the road.
The van driver can be seen motioning to the traffic officer vehicle to move out of the way so that he can pass.
As traffic comes to a halt, the van driver attempts to manoeuvre past the vehicle before hitting with it and speeding onward.
Dramatic footage show a van driver crashes into a patrol vehicle to evade road closure
Following an appearance at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, the culprit has been disqualified from driving for a year, received a 12-month community order, a 19-day rehabilitation activity requirement and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work. Compensation of £833 and court costs of £425 must also be paid.
National Highways On-Road Service Delivery Manager Matthew Burns said:
“Fortunately, in this incident, no-one was injured but it could have ended very differently. Our roads keep the country moving, keep families connected and businesses in business, so our roadworkers are vital to everyone’s wellbeing, and their wellbeing is vital to us.
“It is important that in doing their job, they can do so in an environment that is safe and that they are able to do so without some of the abusive behaviours they face every day.
“We don’t take the decision to close lanes lightly, but when we do, drivers must obey the closure and follow the signs set by the traffic officer vehicle.
“Thankfully, the vast majority of drivers do comply with these signals but those who don’t put themselves and others at risk.”
National Highways is also emphasizing the significance of respecting the Red X and the dangers that people who disregard the signals bring.
Reduced speed restrictions, in addition to the Red X signals, are used to give cars additional time to observe the signs and move into an open lane.
A change in regulations in June 2019 meant that cameras can now automatically detect vehicles who disobey a Red X, allowing police to take enforcement action.
Driving in a lane prohibited by a Red X has been an infraction for more than two decades and can result in a fixed penalty of up to £100 and three points, or, in some situations, more severe penalties including a court appearance.
National Highways agreed in April 2021 to accelerate the upgrade of enforcement cameras for the automatic detection of Red X violations.
This implies that by the end of September this year, all enforcement cameras will be modified to automatically detect vehicles passing unlawfully under a Red X or entering the lane beyond a Red X.
This is ten months earlier than anticipated.
The Red X signals are part of many other measures designed to keep motorists safe if their vehicles break down on highways. More information can be found on the National Highways Red X information page.