Drivers who blocked motorhome crash site face prosecution
Emergency vehicles were delayed from reaching the motorhome and its occupants as drivers tried to bypass traffic by using the hard shoulder.
Some 20 motorists who delayed emergency services from reaching injured passengers in a motorhome that had overturned on a motorway are facing prosecution, police say.
Another motorist who was seen filming the incident while driving past is also facing charges.
The motorhome had suffered a tyre blowout and had overturned near Junction 12 of the M5.
Gloucestershire Police says its officers had already reached the scene, and had completely shut off the motorway to secure the scene and clear debris.
But several drivers chose to try to bypass the queue by driving along the hard shoulder.
This delayed ambulances and emergency vehicles reaching the motorhome and its occupants, who needed medical attention.
The apprehended drivers gave a variety of excuses, with some saying they thought the hard shoulder had been opened as a lane, others saying they were just following other cars and still more saying they wanted to leave at the next junction and so thought they could queue on the hard shoulder.
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.”
In other recent news, four men are in custody after a stolen motorhome chase. The incident involved North Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Police, and saw a long motorway chase take place.
Motorhomers have also been warned to ensure they are using air con appropriately this summer to avoid a potential fine of £110. The RAC issued the advice, saying that leaving the engine idling to cool the cab and failing to turn it off if asked to do so could lead to the fine.
Lead image: Gloucestershire Constabulary
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Motorhome magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things motorhome related.
