Warning after M60 drivers use hard shoulder
ROAD chiefs have issued a warning after drivers were spotted using the hard shoulder to jump a traffic jam following an accident on the M60.
Highways bosses put out a reminder that the lane is for emergencies only following the incident on a Saturday morning month.
The anti-clockwise carriageway of the M60 was closed for five hours after an accident involving a car and a lorry between junctions earlier this 18 and 19 near Heaton Park.
Highways England spent several hours at the site attempting to make the road safe after an ‘extensive’ diesel leak. The accident caused tailbacks of more than three miles.
Some motorists reported being stuck in the jam for more than an hour.
Some frustrated drivers were seen resorting to using the hard shoulder in an attempt to move along, much to the annoyance of other motorists.
Michelle Collins, who was in the passenger seat of a stationary car which had been stuck for more than an hour, took photos of drivers using the hard shoulder.
It is an offence to use the hard shoulder except in a genuine emergency.
Simon Jones, Highways England regional director, said: “Drivers often think the hard shoulder – or even a live lane – is a safe place to stop.
“But on average around 50 people every year are killed or seriously injured in hard shoulder accidents.
“As a driver you should only stop in an emergency.
“For any non-emergencies, take the next exit.”