News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Drivers could be slapped with new fines on the country's motorways if they flout some of the most basic rules.

Highways England is targeting those who put lives at risk by introducing cameras which would automatically snap those breaking the law.

The punishment would be a £100 fine and three penalty points - the same that is given to motorists who drive through red lights.

Theoretically, cameras, installed on Smart Motorways, could rake in around £250,000 per year.

The new roadside cameras are already being tested but expected to be introduced from March, according to a leaked document from the agency.

The document, seen by PA, said: "We would expect enforcement of red X offences to commence from spring 2018."

(Image: Highways england)

Smart motorways involve using the hard shoulder for traffic unless a red X indicates it is closed, usually because of an accident or a broken down vehicle. It also adds variable speed limits.

Highways England has already sent 80,000 warning letters to driers who have broken smart motorway rules since December 2016, with a third relating to driving in closed lanes.

Sections of the M1, M4, M5, M6 and M42 have already been modified, with 480 lane miles being added to England's motorway network.

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, warned the extra capacity is "a welcome move, only so long as it can be delivered safely".

He said: "The best laws are those that no-one breaks - not just because the penalties for doing so are severe. but also because they are well understood and accepted.

"We need to see a redoubling of communications by Highways England to leave no doubt in motorists' minds as to what a red X sign means.

"It's important that drivers understand that where the carriageway has been blocked by a collision or a breakdown, the price for ignoring the red X could be a lot higher than a fixed-penalty notice."

A Highways England spokesman said: "Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and our roads are among the safest in the world.

"We close lanes for a reason, and drivers ignoring red Xs put themselves and others at risk.

"Since we started issuing warning letters, we have seen a decrease in the number of drivers ignoring lane closures."