Transport ministry inspectors have handed out 1,500 fines to motorists who ignored motorway lane closure signs this year, the Telegraaf said on Thursday.

A red cross on overhead motorway signage means the lane is closed but thousands of drivers ignore the signs and face a standard fine of €230 if spotted, the paper said.

This year’s figures are up 40% on 2017.

Transport minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen told the paper that she plans to double the number of road inspectors who can levy fines from 50 to 100. ‘That means we can increase the likelihood of people getting caught,’ the minister said.