Drivers to be prosecuted after using hard shoulder whilst police responded to M5 collision

While our officers were attending a collision on the M5 and ensuring the safety of everyone involved, several drivers chose to dangerously bypass the queue by driving along the hard shoulder.

This reckless behaviour not only endangered lives but also obstructed emergency services who were working at the scene.

There had been a single vehicle collision at junction 12 of the M5 yesterday morning (Sunday 5 July) in which a motorhome sustained a tyre blow out and overturned resulting in the occupants needing medical treatment.

The motorway was brought to a complete stop on the initial attendance of police to secure the scene and clear debris from the main carriageway.

Whilst this was happening, numerous motorists decided to take it on themselves and drive along the hard shoulder for a variety of reasons - some stated that they thought the hard shoulder had been opened as a lane, some said they were just following people ahead, and others stated they wanted to leave at the next junction and decided to queue on the hard shoulder.

Unfortunately due to the irresponsible actions of all the vehicles that decided to drive onto the hard shoulder, this meant that Ambulances and Highways vehicles were delayed from getting to the scene of the collision.

The hard shoulder is reserved for emergency use only - such as breakdowns or access for emergency vehicles. When drivers misuse it, especially during an active incident, they risk colliding with stationary vehicles, emergency responders, or even pedestrians who may be on foot near the scene.

It also delays the response time of emergency services and increases the risk of secondary collisions.

20 motorists will now be prosecuted for driving on the hard shoulder and one additional motorist will also be prosecuted after they were seen to be filming the collision on their phone whilst driving past.

Acting Sergeant Mike Turnbull from the Roads Policing Unit said: "Using the hard shoulder to avoid traffic is not only selfish - it’s illegal and drivers using the hard shoulder inappropriately will be prosecuted.

"The Highway Code clearly states the hard shoulder must not be used for overtaking or avoiding congestion. Offenders can face fines, penalty points, and prosecution for the offence of driving or stopping on the hard shoulder."