20 motorists are set to be prosecuted after using the hard shoulder to bypass traffic following a crash, delaying emergency services responding to the incident.
The offences happened after a motorhome overturned following a tyre blowout at Junction 12 of the M5, near Gloucester, on Sunday 5 July.
Emergency services closed the motorway on arrival to make the scene safe and clear debris from the carriageway. The occupants of the motorhome needed medical treatment.
While officers were dealing with the incident, a number of motorists drove along the hard shoulder instead of remaining in the queue.
According to Gloucestershire Police, some drivers claimed they believed the hard shoulder had been opened as a live lane, while others said they were following vehicles ahead or wanted to leave the motorway at the next junction.
The force said the actions delayed ambulances and National Highways vehicles from reaching the scene.
Police have confirmed that 20 motorists will now be prosecuted for driving on the hard shoulder
A further driver will also face prosecution after allegedly filming the collision on a mobile phone while 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.”
