BRFM Kent Police has been actively dealing with drivers who illegally use the hard shoulder on the county’s motorways.
Written by karen on 29 July 2016
Kent Police has been actively dealing with drivers who illegally use the hard shoulder on the county’s motorways.
On Friday 22 July, police officers were dealing with a lorry fire on the M2 and had to close the carriageways to protect the emergency services and other road users whilst the incident was on-going. A number of drivers chose to illegally use the hard shoulder in an attempt to pass the road closure and in doing so narrowly avoided obstructing an approaching fire engine.
The following week, emergency services dealing with a collision on the M2 were obstructed by cars using the hard shoulder to avoid queues. One car delayed the arrival of a recovery vehicle and this further delayed the journeys of other drivers held in the queue.
Those drivers who were stopped by police whilst using the hard shoulder were reported for summons. A number of car registration numbers were also noted for follow-up enquiries and prosecutions where appropriate.
Superintendent Mat Newton said:‘Driving on the hard shoulder is illegal and could easily lead to collisions with vehicles that have stopped in an emergency situation or who have broken down. It also puts lives at significant risk.
‘Drivers who commit these offences will be reported for summons and could receive a driving disqualification. In addition to enforcement, Kent Police also works closely with partner agencies to encourage good driving behaviour.’
Penalty
Driving on the hard shoulder carries a minimum of 3 penalty points and a £100 fine but drivers face a discretionary disqualification and a maximum fine of £2500 by Magistrates.
supplied by Kent Police
