A lorry driver has been criticised by police for allegedly taking a break on the hard shoulder of the M6 motorway in Staffordshire. Officers discovered the driver parked in their cab, reportedly taking a 'tachograph break'—a mandatory 45-minute rest required after every four-and-a-half hours of driving.
Staffordshire Police emphasised that such breaks must be taken in safe and legal locations, not on the hard shoulder, which is reserved for emergencies only. A spokesperson for the force shared details of the incident on social media, stating: "Parking on the hard shoulder is only acceptable in emergency. Unfortunately, taking a tachograph break is not classed as an emergency and carries points and a fine. When planning your route, please take into account your scheduled breaks and safe, legal places where these can be taken."
The incident serves as a reminder to all drivers that the hard shoulder is not a designated rest area. Using it for non-emergency purposes can lead to penalties, including points on a driving licence and financial fines. Drivers are urged to plan their journeys carefully, incorporating rest stops at service stations or other authorised locations to ensure compliance with road safety regulations.
