A queue of traffic on the A2 on Sunday 23rd November hour led to some frustrated drivers thinking it would be okay to reverse up the hard shoulder to the previous slip road.
This included a recovery driver, who thought it would also be a good idea. Some drivers even completely turned around and drove the wrong way along the carriageway.
Emergency services responded to a serious collision on the A2 Watling Street coastbound near Gravesend. Efforts to assist the drivers involved in the crash, which involved two cars and an HGV, resulted in unavoidable delays.
In total, 16 offenders were stopped by a Road Policing Unit and reported for the offences. Each risks receiving a £100 fine and three points on their licence.
Inspector David Crompton said ‘Officers fully appreciate the frustration of being stuck in traffic. However, we close roads for only as long as is necessary, whether that’s to assist casualties, investigate life threatening collisions, or clear the road of debris that could damage cars or lead to further accidents. Those using the hard shoulder for anything other than a lawful reason could obstruct emergency vehicles heading towards a serious collision, impacting injured drivers. These motorists were reported just 13 minutes before the road reopened, so with a little more patience they would have avoided a probable fine along with penalty points.’
