Some of the 20 drivers said that they thought the hard shoulder had been opened as a lane. Others told police they were just following people ahead, and some stated they wanted to leave at the next junction and decided to queue on the hard shoulder.
Acting Sgt Mike Turnbull said: “Offenders can face fines, penalty points, and prosecution for the offence of driving or stopping on the hard shoulder.
“The Highway Code clearly states the hard shoulder must not be used for overtaking or avoiding congestion. Using the hard shoulder to avoid traffic is not only selfish – it’s illegal and drivers using the hard shoulder inappropriately will be prosecuted.”
