Drivers Fined For Parking On Hard Shoulder Of M1 Motorway

The PSNI has issued a reminder to motorists that it is illegal to stop or park on the hard shoulder of motorways.

It comes after a number of drivers were issued penalty tickets for the offence following an outdoor concert at Boucher Road over the weekend.

According to police a number of vehicle were found to have stopped along the hard shoulder and slip roads of the M1 motorway, as they waited to collect people exiting the concert.

Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay, area commander for Belfast, said: "It appears that motorists were stopping to collect concert goers on the M1 Motorway and its slip roads. "The hard shoulder is neither a safe place to park, nor is it legal. It is for emergency use only. Our officers issued several motorists with penalty tickets, and many more were moved on by roads policing.

"Fixed penalty tickets can also be issued to pedestrians for walking on motorways and hard shoulders. Officers observed pedestrians walking along the hard shoulders and on-slips to meet their lifts and had to stop them from doing so for their own safety. This is an extremely dangerous practice which must stop.

"This weekend sees another music festival in Belfast, and organisers will have traffic restrictions in place. The area in and around the M1 at Stockmans Lane junction, Stockmans Lane and Boucher Road will be extremely busy.

"We would urge all those attending to make their travel arrangements in advance. Make sure your pick up point is in a safe place.

"We want people attending to have a great night and to remember these events for all the right reasons."