GMP reminded drivers the hard shoulder is for 'emergencies only'
(Image: GMP Traffic / X)

HUNDREDS of drivers slapped with fines after delaying emergency services on motorway

by · Manchester Evening News

Over one hundred drivers will receive fines after emergency crews were delayed - because selfish motorists were stopped in the hard shoulder.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said emergency services were slowed while attending an incident at junction four of the M56 today.

In a tweet, the force blasted motorists using the hard shoulder to 'bypass the queue', saying it is 'for emergencies only'.

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They wrote: "Emergency Services were delayed whilst attending the closure of the M56 at Junction 4 today. 100+ drivers will be receiving a letter from @gmptraffic and unfortunately, it won't be a Christmas Card.

"The Hard Shoulder is for emergencies only, not for bypassing the queue."

The M56 was closed on Sunday afternoon (November 24) following reports of a 'fallen electrical cable'. Drivers faced huge queues of up to 60 minutes as three miles of congestion built following the closure.

The carriageway has since reopened.