BBQ are not OK - but what are the rules on stopping on the hard shoulder?

Having a BBQ is not an acceptable use of the hard shoulder

Following the bizarre news that a French family were caught having a BBQ on the hard shoulder of the M6, we look at what are the rules for stopping on the motorway.

Across the UK, around 800 people a year are killed on the hard shoulder or laybys of motorways.

Despite official advice that the hard shoulder is for emergencies only, some people remain confused about the rules.

Family stops for barbecue near Lancaster...on the M6!

A survey by the AA showed that Illness or toilet breaks (both 5 per cent) were the most common excuses, followed by running out of fuel (4 per cent), reading a map (2 per cent) and making a non-emergency phone call (1 per cent).

Mark Spowage, AA patrol of the year, says: “The hard shoulder is a highly dangerous place with vehicles thundering past just feet away but some people don’t fully appreciate the risks involved in stopping on it.

“Most weeks we have incidents where a member’s car is struck while on the hard shoulder and it seems to be an increasing issue, which is a serious concern. Thankfully most people heed the safety advice and get out of the car and behind the barrier before calling for assistance.

“You should only stop if it is a genuine emergency and have no choice – it really is the last resort.