As can often be the case, we see patrol vehicles on our highways slowing traffic due to a variety of reasons. It may be an accident up ahead, it may be that emergency repairs need to take place. Obviously, it would be difficult and dangerous without slowing traffic right down.
This is precisely what happened on the M6 in June this year. A patrol vehicle was successfully slowing traffic with signs indicating that the workforce was on the road, a Red X to indicate a lane closure, and slower speeds in other open lanes. Unfortunately, there was a rather irate and impatient van driver behind the patrol vehicle.
Instead of doing what everyone else was doing (slowing down), he decided he would rather crash into the patrol vehicle to try and avoid the temporary road works and slow traffic.
It didn’t end well for the driver
Nor, we suspect, the ending he had hoped for either. He appeared in court and paid court costs and compensation of just over £500. On top of that, the driver has been banned from driving for a year and must also complete 200 hours of community service. Oh yes, and not to forget a 19 day rehabilitation activity requirement. This is usually a requirement to reduce the prospect of reoffending.
Let’s hope that a lesson has been learned and this person can reflect on all of this whilst carrying out their community service.
Just so that you are all aware, it is an offence to drive in a lane with the Red X and has been for more than 20 years now. Cameras have been put in place to detect drivers who ignore the Red X and this can result in a fixed penalty and 3 points on your licence.
And in van other news
A van driver was stopped on suspicion of cloned number plates. Whilst it was discovered the plates were genuine, the van driver didn’t have insurance or even a licence. It was also discovered that he had been driving around like this for many years. On the same day, not far away, another van was stopped and it was found that there was no valid MOT and the driver had no licence. Once again, it had been that way for quite a while.
These are just a few reasons to make sure everything is up to date. You can do this by checking you have the best and cheapest van insurance quotes for your van. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form, and you’ll be on your way.