You are on a motorway. A red cross is displayed above the hard shoulder. What does this mean?

Related Information

Signs and signals are used to warn you of hazards ahead. For example, there may be an incident, fog, a spillage or road workers on the carriageway which you may not immediately be able to see. A single sign or signal can display advice, restrictions and warnings for all lanes. Lane specific signs and signals can display advice, restrictions and warnings that apply to individual lanes.

Amber flashing lights: These signals warn of a hazard ahead. You should reduce your speed, be prepared for the hazard, only increase your speed when you pass a signal that is not flashing, or a sign displaying a national speed limit or the word ‘END’, and you are sure it is safe to do so.

Red flashing light signals and a red ‘X’ on a sign identify a closed lane in which people, stopped vehicles or other hazards are present. You MUST follow the instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to move safely to an open lane, MUST NOT drive in a closed lane. A sign will inform you when the lane is no longer closed by displaying a speed limit or the word ‘END’.

Be aware that:

- there can be several hazards in a closed lane

- emergency services and traffic authorities use closed lanes to reach incidents and help people in need

- where the left lane is closed at an exit slip road, this means that the exit cannot be used.

- Where red flashing light signals and closure of all lanes are shown on a sign, the road is closed. You MUST NOT go beyond the sign in any lane or use the hard shoulder to avoid the road closure unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer. Lane and road closures indicated by red flashing lights are enforced by the police.