Over 40 drivers caught ignoring motorway closure signs and using mobile phones after collision on the M6

Were you one of the 40 plus people who decided to ignore the matrix signs and drive straight through the scene of a collision on the M6 on May 29?

Or were you one of the people who was seen driving through the scene AND using a mobile phone at the same time?

If so we’ll be sending you a little something in the post in the next couple of weeks. Think of it as a reminder that while you may feel a road closure is inconvenient, being reported for driving offences is probably worse.

The direction to stop was put in place after two collisions close to junction 31 of the M6 within a few minutes of each other, on opposite sides of the motorway. The first, on the southbound carriageway, occurred at 12.10pm, between a van and a car, while the second occurred on the northbound carriageway at around 12.25pm, involving a motorbike.

Initially the collisions looked serious, though thankfully the only injury was to the motorbike rider, who fractured his knee.

Officers at the scenes immediately closed the motorway in both directions and the matrix signs were clearly displaying a red ‘X’, for lane closures. However several people were captured on CCTV continuing through the scene, with some of those on their mobile phone as they went past.

Supt Melita Worswick, of Lancashire Police, said: “First and foremost we must say a huge thankyou to all those people who waited patiently for the motorway to re-open. We appreciate that a collision and subsequent road closure can completely derail your plans for the day, but this is for the safety of all those people involved at the scene, including our hard-working officers and other emergency services workers.
 
“These two collisions occurred in a short space of time on both sides of the M6, and the matrix signs were very clear that the motorway lanes were closed. However, over 40 people still felt their convenience was more important and ignored the signs, while six people did this while also using their phones.
 
“We hope this post serves as a reminder that nobody is above the law – and the actions of these few drivers were selfish, reckless and put all of those at the scene in danger.
 
“The consequences of their actions will be delivered in the post in the next few weeks.”