Drivers urged to get smart
and know their motorways

Highways England has launched a new campaign urging drivers to know the rules of smart motorways and to drive within the speed limits.
Many of the UK's motorways are now 'smart', which means they use innovative technology to actively control traffic flows and improve journey times.
Varying speed limits and using the hard shoulder as an extra lane during busy times, will help traffic to avoid having to brake or coming to a standstill.
Variable mandatory speed limits displayed in a red circle mean it is the law to follow the speed limit. They are a key feature of smart motorways and are used when traffic volumes increase. The monitoring sensors in use activate lower speed limits to smooth congestion and keep traffic moving.
Highways England uses these speed limits, along with red X signs to indicate lane closures, to slow traffic while managing incidents and helping to keep traffic officers and the emergency services safe.
This summer drivers are being reminded of five points to remember about speed limits on smart motorways: 

Watch your speed: you must stick to speed limits displayed in a red ring
On time journeys: we vary speed limits at busy times to keep the traffic flowing, keep you moving and make your journey more reliable
Be safe: millions use our motorways every day – think about how the decisions you make on your journey affect others
Don’t risk it: speed limits on smart motorways are enforced by police and if you break the speed limit you will be prosecuted 
Respect our road workers: do your bit to save lives – drive carefully, stick to the stated speed limit and keep our road workers safe 

You can read more about smart motorways here