Motorists stop on hard shoulders mainly for either of the following two reasons: breakdowns or crashes – however, these are not the only two reasons as Highway Agency has revealed that motorists give out a range of bizarre reasons for stopping on hard shoulders.
During the months between July and September as many as 2,062 motorists stopped on hard shoulders across the motorways on UK even when there was no emergency.
Some of the bizarre reasons provided by drivers include:
- to pick up flowers;
- to have a drink;
- to check the mobile phone coverage on the motorway;
- to feed children;
- to get a quick nap.
Jamie Hassall, Highways Agency national enforcement co-ordinator said that millions of motorists use the motorway and most of them are using the hard shoulders correctly, but there are cases “who put themselves, other road users, and those working on motorways at risk” by not obeying the law.
“Where the hard shoulder is used as an additional traffic lane at peak times, you can only drive on it if there is a speed limit over it. When a red X is displayed over any lane, it’s simple – don’t drive on it”, Hassall said.
Below are the top 10 worst excuses for stopping on the hard shoulder:
- One motorist pulled over because they saw fire” on their dashboard display, it later turned out it was the name of the Adele track they were listening to.
- One motorist parked up and fell asleep on the M6.
- People stopping to read a map or check their sat-navs.
- Traffic officers stopped with two cars on the hard shoulder – the owners were half way through the selling and buying process for one of the cars.
- One driver realised their car insurance policy was up for renewal – they were ringing around for quotes to renew.
- Parents feeding children.
- Taxi drivers waiting on the hard shoulder around Heathrow airport for their client’s flights to arrive.
- A mobile phone operator, stopping at regular intervals in their private car carrying out signal tests on the hard shoulder.
- A driver who stopped to pick flowers.
- Have you broken down Sir? No, came the reply, we are taking pictures of our new born grandchild (in their open top sports car) as it is a lovely day.
