Motorway safety: New laws and fines targeted at dangerous driving

Authorities in Ireland and the United Kingdom are addressing dangerous driving behaviors on motorways. In Ireland, the government is considering new legislation to create a specific criminal offense for motorists who deliberately drive the wrong way on motorways. This follows two recent incidents on the M50 and M9 that resulted in five teenage fatalities and numerous injuries. MEP Billy Kelleher described such actions as “akin to attempted murder,” while Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín called for mandatory custodial sentences to reflect the lethal nature of the offense.

In the United Kingdom, research indicates that drivers ignoring “red X” lane closure signs on smart motorways are facing significant legal consequences. Since the start of the year, 378 drivers have been convicted of ignoring these signs, resulting in over £100,000 in combined fines, court costs, and victim surcharges. The RAC emphasized the importance of these signs for safety, particularly on motorways where the hard shoulder has been removed.