Police announce 'prosecutions' against 20 drivers for using hard shoulder during M5 crash

Gloucestershire Police have issued a stern warning to motorists after 20 drivers were caught using the hard shoulder in the aftermath of an accident on the M5.

On Sunday (July 5), officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary responded to a single-vehicle collision at junction 12 of the M5.

A motorhome sustained a blown-out tyre, prompting it to overturn, and forcing occupants to require medical treatment.

The motorway was brought to a standstill as police secured the scene, and debris was cleared from the main carriageway on the M5.

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As the police response was taking place, motorists drove along the hard shoulder to get around the queue, which police said "endangered lives".

It condemned the "reckless behaviour" and stated that the 20 motorists who had used the hard shoulder obstructed emergency services who were working at the scene.

Some of the drivers argued that they thought the hard shoulder had been opened as a lane, while others explained that they were merely following the people ahead of them.

A handful of other motorists said they wanted to leave the motorway at the next junction and decided to queue on the hard shoulder.

Gloucester Police said the actions of the 20 drivers meant that ambulances and highway vehicles were delayed getting to the scene of the collision.

The hard shoulder can only be used in emergency situations, such as breakdowns, or for response vehicles to use.

Drivers misusing the hard shoulder during an active incident can result in motorists colliding with a stationary vehicle, emergency responders or even pedestrians.

As a result of the action on the M5, 20 motorists will be "prosecuted for driving on the hard shoulder".

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One additional motorist will be prosecuted for filming the accident on their phone as they were driving past the site.

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."

Rule 269 of the Highway Code deals with the hard shoulder and tells drivers that they cannot use it "except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, traffic officers or a traffic sign".

When the hard shoulder is used as an extra lane, a red X or blank sign means they must not use it unless there is an emergency.

In the event that the hard shoulder is being used as an extra lane, emergency areas are provided for use in an emergency.

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