You are on a smart motorway in lane 2 when an ambulance with blue lights on is approaching quickly from behind. The overhead gantry ahead shows red flashing lights and a red ‘X’ over lane 1 and lane 3, but no sign over lane 2. What should you do to allow the ambulance to pass, while complying with the signals?

Explanation

The Highway Code, Rule 258, states that if red lights flash on a signal and a red ‘X’ is showing, you MUST NOT drive in the lane shown as closed beyond the signal. This applies until another signal shows ‘End’ or a speed limit and you are sure it is safe. This rule still applies when emergency vehicles are present: you must not enter a lane with a red ‘X’, even to give way. You should stay in an open lane, adjust your speed within the limit, and allow the emergency vehicle to pass using the lanes that are not closed. Options B and C involve illegally entering lanes with a red ‘X’, and option D is dangerous because you must not stop in a live lane unless absolutely necessary.