Transport ministry inspectors handed out 4,920 fines to motorists for ignoring motorway lane closure signs last year, a rise of 55% on 2019, according to departmental figures.

‘It is criminal to ignore a red cross, because you are risking others’ lives,’ infrastructure minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen told the Telegraaf. ‘The measure is there for a reason.’

Last year, 22 road maintenance vehicles and crash absorbers were hit by cars, as drivers failed to leave the lanes they were operating.

The police also hand out fines for ignoring red crosses but those figures for 2020 have not yet been compiled. In 2019, they issued over 10,000 fines for the same offence.

The initial fine is €250.