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Difficulty: MediumSmart Motorways and Active Traffic Management

You are driving along an all-lane running smart motorway at night. Up ahead, an overhead electronic gantry displays a illuminated solid red cross (Red 'X') directly above your current lane, though the carriageway immediately in front of you appears clear. What action must you take?

  1. A
    Continue driving in the lane until you spot the physical obstruction or stranded vehicle ahead
  2. B
    Treat the red cross as an advisory warning and maintain your lane position at a reduced speed
  3. Move into an open lane as soon as it is safe to do so and do not travel beyond the signal in that laneAnswer
  4. D
    Stop immediately in the lane, switch on your hazard warning lights, and place a warning triangle behind your vehicle

Answer

Move into an open lane as soon as it is safe to do so and do not travel beyond the signal in that lane
Under UK Highway Code Rule 258, a Red 'X' displayed above a lane indicates that the lane is closed. You must move out of that lane promptly and safely when instructed and must not drive in a lane closed by a Red 'X'. Driving in a closed lane is illegal and endangers yourself, stranded drivers, and emergency personnel.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mandatory meaning of the overhead gantry symbol
Recognize that a solid Red 'X' signifies an immediate and mandatory lane closure under UK traffic law
The Highway Code (Rule 258) states that you must not drive in a lane closed by a Red 'X'
2
Check mirrors and blind spots to safely change lanes
Move smoothly into an adjacent open lane before or at the gantry signal
Lanes are closed to protect stranded motorists, broken-down vehicles, emergency services, and road workers

Key Concept

Red 'X' lane closure compliance on smart motorways
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Smart Motorways and Active Traffic Management

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