Watch: Driver ploughs through closed motorway section

A driver risked the lives of road workers when they deliberately drove straight through a closed off construction area of the M60.

CCTV footage shows the motorist ignoring the overnight slip road closure at junction 11 for Eccles, near Barton Bridge, and taking a ‘shortcut’ before being chased by startled staff.

New figures have revealed that four drivers a month are entering closed sections of road in the Manchester smart motorway scheme to either overtake traffic on the motorway or avoid using diversion routes.

Highways England has released CCTV footage showing a driver ignoring an overnight slip road closure at junction 11 of the M60 at Eccles, where he is seen being chased through the construction area by shocked road workers.

Drivers are being warned that they could be prosecuted if they ignore road closures, and electronic signs at the side of the motorway are also being used to display the message ‘Don’t ignore road closures. CCTV in operation.’

Earlier this year, a drunk driver received a 12-month prison sentence and was disqualified from driving for 15 months after ignoring an overnight slip road closure at junction 23 of the M60 near Ashton-under- Lyne.

Stephen Hill, Project Manager for the Manchester smart motorway scheme at Highways England, said:

Highways England has issued the following advice for drivers travelling through roadworks:

• Keep within the speed limit – it is there for your safety.

• Get into the correct lane in good time – don’t keep switching.

• Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks.

• Be alert for construction vehicles leaving or entering work areas.

• Keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front.

• Observe all signs – they are there to help you.

• Be alert for road workers – the roads are their workplace.