Traffic police who spotted a lost dog on the M6 have issued an urgent plea to drivers about the dangers of stopping and getting out of their vehicles to help.
Officers Rose Savage and Sophie Barnett witnessed motorists attempting to rescue a frightened dog on the side of the M6 northbound, between junction 13 and 14 near Stafford, on April 12.
The pair, who have previous experience with motorway animal rescues, stepped in to slow traffic and close lanes to ensure that Murphy, a five-year-old sproodle, could be safely taken from the verge and reunited with his owner.
Public Urged to Avoid Stopping
Rose Savage said: "People were stopping their cars in the emergency layby and walking up and down next to moving traffic. But as much as your heart's in the right place wanting to help, it could cause an injury or accident and there could be much bigger consequences."
Sophie Barnett added: "We got to Murphy as fast as we could, but because members of the public were stopping it made things a bit more challenging. It's better to call 999 or the National Highways Customer Contact Centre and carry on your journey, leaving us to respond safely."
Dog's Ordeal
Murphy had escaped from the back garden of a house in Stafford and had been missing for more than two hours. He travelled almost four miles before being found at the side of the M6. Thanks to a collar with his owner's contact details, traffic officers were able to contact the family and reunite them.
Murphy's owner, James Farrow from Stafford, said: "Somehow, and we still don't know how, Murphy got out of the back garden. He was spotted a couple of times and people tried to round him up with a treat, but he was frightened so just scarpered.
"As soon as the traffic officers told me he'd been found on the motorway my heart dropped. I had been worried he was going to run into a main road, but I didn't even think he would end up anywhere near the motorway, let alone on it."
James said Murphy had most likely travelled over several main roads and housing estates before getting stuck on the side of the motorway. "I imagine he would've been scared of the traffic, but I can't believe Murphy didn't get hit by a car and no accidents happened from people stopping on the motorway to try and rescue him," he added.
"Murphy is another member of our family, and we would've been absolutely devastated if we'd lost him. There are no words really that could explain how grateful we are to the traffic officers and people that risked their lives to rescue a dog."
James said Murphy was exhausted from his ordeal and had been quiet with grazed and sore paws for a few days afterwards, but he was soon "back to his usual self".
National Highways Role
National Highways traffic officers play a vital role in helping people to complete their journeys safely and keep traffic moving on motorways and major A roads. In an emergency, motorists should call 999. For other incidents, report it to the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 or non-urgent issues can also be reported online via the National Highways Help Centre.
