A number of drivers have been punished for using their phones around the scene of a crash on the M5 earlier today (March 2). The motorway remains closed between junctions 17 and 18 after a tipper truck collided with an overhead gantry at around 8.40am.
Avon and Somerset Police has this afternoon confirmed that eight motorists have been handed tickets for using their phones around the crash scene. It added that one of the guilty drivers was already on nine points prior to the offence and is now likely to be disqualified completely.
A further 17 drivers will also be receiving summons to court after using the hard shoulder to avoid the motorway traffic. Police have reiterated that the hard shoulder may only be used in the event of an emergency.
