Motorists are being issued a stark warning after more than a dozen drivers were slapped with fines for a dangerous and illegal manoeuvre during severe traffic delays.
Impatient Drivers Fined for Hard Shoulder Reversal
The incident occurred on Sunday 23 November 2025, following a serious collision on the A2 Watling Street coastbound near Gravesend. The crash, which involved two cars and a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), led to significant hold-ups as emergency services worked at the scene.
Faced with the unavoidable delays, a number of impatient drivers took matters into their own hands. Officers from the Kent Police Roads Policing Unit reported that 16 motorists were caught reversing along the hard shoulder in an attempt to return to a previous slip road. Some even performed U-turns to do so.
The Legal Consequences and Police Warning
Each of the reported drivers now risks a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence for the traffic offence. Inspector David Crompton of Kent Police expressed understanding for driver frustration but emphasised the critical reasons for road closures.
"Officers fully appreciate the frustration of being stuck in traffic," Inspector Crompton said. "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."
He highlighted the grave danger created by such actions: "Those using the hard shoulder for anything other than a lawful reason could obstruct emergency vehicles heading towards a serious collision, impacting injured drivers." Notably, the road reopened just 13 minutes after the offenders were reported.
Understanding Hard Shoulder Rules
National Highways reinforced the law regarding hard shoulder use. A spokesperson stated: "Unless you see signs or signals telling you otherwise, it's illegal to drive on the hard shoulder, or to stop on it except in an emergency."
The agency clarified that the hard shoulder should only be used for a sudden, critical problem with your vehicle that forces you to stop before reaching an exit or services. They also explained the system of "all-lane running", where the hard shoulder is permanently converted into a traffic lane, indicated by the absence of a solid white line.
This case serves as a potent reminder that attempting to circumvent traffic, however frustrating, can lead to severe penalties and, more importantly, put lives at risk.
