Motorway drivers who veer into the hard shoulder to undertake gritting lorries in an attempt to avoid being struck by salt are being targeted in a new safety campaign. Motorists are warned that doing so could either risk collision with a stationary vehicle or obstruct gritters about to come off at a junction.

 

Highways England’s winter maintenance drivers have reported that the problem is a growing concern.

 

Gritting vehicles that spread salt on a three lane motorway usually travel at 40MPH in the middle lane, treating all three running lanes in one go. Drivers are advised only to pass a gritter when it is safe to do so, avoid using the hard shoulder and check for hazards ahead.

 

Highways England’s Midlands regional director Tim Harbot said: “We’re encouraging road users to do their bit to help keep the region’s motorways and major A roads moving.

 

“The vast majority of people support our gritter drivers by keeping a sensible distance and only passing when it’s safe to do so, but a few have been putting themselves and others at risk by using the hard shoulder to undertake gritters.”

 

Latest statistics show that an average of 16 people lose their lives each year as a result of collisions on hard shoulders or in laybys across England, with 45 suffering a serious injury.

 

Gritter driver Phill Cheshire, based at Highways England’s Coleshill depot in the West Midlands, said: “We appreciate that nobody wants to be stuck behind a large vehicle travelling at 40 or 50MPH but in this case it really is for the benefit of road users.

 

“I would urge drivers to stay safe and not use the hard shoulder to undertake.”

 

(Photo: Highways England)