Gloucestershire Police have announced that 20 drivers will be prosecuted for using the hard shoulder of the M5 motorway during a closure caused by a crash earlier this month.
On Sunday, July 5, a motorhome’s tyre blew out near junction 12, causing the vehicle to overturn. The occupants required medical treatment, and the motorway was shut to allow emergency services to respond and clear debris safely.
Despite the closure, numerous drivers chose to illegally use the hard shoulder. This reckless behaviour impeded the timely arrival of paramedics and National Highways vehicles at the scene. Police have reported that some motorists believed the hard shoulder was open as a driving lane, others followed vehicles ahead, and a few used it simply to queue for the next junction.
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Gloucestershire Police emphasized that the hard shoulder is strictly reserved for emergencies, including breakdowns and emergency vehicles. Misusing it during active incidents endangers stationary vehicles, emergency personnel, and pedestrians.
In addition to the 20 drivers prosecuted for using the hard shoulder, one motorist will face prosecution for filming the crash on their phone while driving past the scene.
Acting Sergeant Mike Turnbull from the Roads Policing Unit stated: “Using the hard shoulder to avoid traffic is not only selfish – it’s illegal. The Highway Code clearly prohibits overtaking or avoiding congestion on the hard shoulder. Offenders face fines, penalty points, and legal prosecution.”