Drivers face fines for reversing on A2 hard shoulder to avoid a traffic jam
16 drivers were reported for doing it
Last updated 26th Nov 2025
Motorists in Kent are being warned not to break the law to avoid traffic jams, after more than a dozen drivers face fines for reversing on the hard shoulder.
Emergency services responded to a serious collision on the A2 Watling Street coastbound near Gravesend on Sunday (23 November).
Efforts to assist the drivers involved in the crash, which involved two cars and an HGV, resulted in unavoidable delays.
Kent Police say as a result of the traffic, some impatient drivers decided to reverse along the hard shoulder to return to an earlier slip road, with a small number turning around to do so.
Officers from Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit who were assisting traffic flow at the time, reported 16 drivers for traffic offences. Each risks receiving a £100 fine and three points on their licence.
Inspector David Crompton said: "Officers fully appreciate the frustration of being stuck in traffic. However, we close roads for only as long as is necessary, whether that’s to assist casualties, investigate life threatening collisions, or clear the road of debris that could damage cars or lead to further accidents.
"Those using the hard shoulder for anything other than a lawful reason could obstruct emergency vehicles heading towards a serious collision, impacting injured drivers.
"These motorists were reported just 13 minutes before the road reopened, so with a little more patience they would have avoided a probable fine along with penalty points."