POLICE are cracking down on queue jumpers on the M5.

Road policing officers have been taking action to tackle the issue of drivers trying to dodge the traffic queuing to get off the M5 southbound at junction 19, Portishead.

Last week officers from the road policing unit, led by Inspector Frazer Davey, dealt with 13 drivers in just a one-hour period.

Insp Davey said: “The early evening queue to leave the M5 southbound at junction 19 is a frustration for many people. The majority of drivers begin queuing in a safe manner and patiently wait their turn. "However, there exists a small minority willing to gamble with their own and other road users’ safety by trying to avoid queuing.

“When they find there is no gap for them to exit the motorway, they’re prepared to slow down or stop on the main carriageway to try to force their way in. This behaviour causes other motorists to have to brake hard or swerve in order to avoid them, with the obvious potential to cause injury or loss of life in a collision.”

Drivers stopped were found to be committing offences including driving without due care and attention, driving along the hard shoulder and driving on the hatch markings.

Added Insp Davey: “The excuse that ‘no one would let me in’ is not a valid reason for bad driving.

"My advice is simple: you and you alone are responsible for your own driving. If you cannot leave the motorway safely without causing other traffic to brake or change lane to avoid you, then you must continue on to the next junction.”

Those stopped in the operation were offered education awareness courses as an alternative to prosecution, where appropriate.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has warned queue jumping could be classed as careless and inconsiderate driving, depending on the danger caused to other road users, which carries a maximum fine of £2,500 plus penalty points, or even dangerous driving, which carries a two-year jail term.