Drivers face £100 fine and three points on their licence after new motorway camera charge

DRIVERS could face a £100 fine and three points on their licence after a new motorway camera charge.

Automatic motorway cameras can now catch people driving in closed lanes.

Marked by a red 'X' in the overhead signage, a hefty fine awaits those who are caught.

Posting on Twitter, National Highways said that there is "no eXcuse" as it is illegal to drive in a lane marked by a red 'X' and those caught flouting the law could be fined £100 and receive three points on their licence.

They said: "There's no eXcuse - don't ignore the red X.

"It's illegal to drive in a red X lane and motorway cameras can now automatically detect drivers who flout the law.

"You could receive a £100 fine and get three points on your licence. #KeepUsAllMoving".

But the post has been met with some criticism from drivers, who have responded to share their disdain for SMART motorways.

Among other little-known road fines, road rage, including swearing and displaying rude or offensive gestures to other drivers, is a crime and can result in potential fines of up to £1,000.

Drivers also risk fines of up to £5,000 if they let their pets roam loose in their cars.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly."

Park facing away from the direction of traffic at night time and you could land yourself with a fine of up to £1,000.

The exception is if you’re using a designated parking bay.

Rule 248 of the Highway Code states that at night “a car must not be parked at the side of the road facing against the direction of traffic”

Police have the power to fine drivers up to £1,000 if their number plate is so dirty, they can't read what it says.

This is particularly a problem during bad weather, as rain water and mud from the roads can cause number plates to get mucky.