Police warning as impatient drivers try to dodge M53 tailbacks following lorry death

Police have issued a warning to impatient motorists tempted to use the hard shoulder or drive the wrong way down slip-roads after a fatal crash closed the M53.

A man was killed after colliding with a lorry at Junction 4 to Clatterbridge, Wirral , this morning, and both carriageways are expected to remain closed well into the afternoon.

But reports of drivers trying to escape huge tailbacks using illegal manoeuvres prompted North West Motorway Police speak out.

In a tweet, the force said: "Just a gentle reminder to road users who decide to use the hard shoulder to beat the queues on the M53 or decide to travel wrong direction on slip roads.

"Your details will be taken and will receive a court letter through the post, Decision is yours #bepatient ."

Scene of a serious incident on junction 4 of the M53, Clatterbridge, in Wirral (Ben Turner)

Other motorists have also expressed their disdain.

Rick Willan posted: "That hard shoulder all the impatient drivers on the #m53 are driving down to avoid sitting in a traffic jam.

"It's there for the emergency services to attend to incidents.

"Like the one that's caused the traffic jam. Sadly someone has died. Shame on you."

M53 motorway scene between Junction 4/5 closed after a man has died on the Wirral. (Liverpool Echo)

Beverley Macca said: "Thoughts are with the family and friends of the man killed on the #M53 this morning.

"Please don't use the hard shoulder, it's for emergency services. Be patient, someone has lost their life."

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "We were contacted at 10.50am today, Friday 16 August, to reports that a male had been in collision with an HGV on the Liverpool-bound carriageway.

"Officers attended at the scene at junction 4 of the motorway close to the slip-road for Clatterbridge. The male has been pronounced dead at the scene.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident, identity the male and inform the next of kin.

"The motorway has been closed between junctions 5 and 4 to allow for investigative work to be carried out and motorists are being asked to avoid the area and find alternative routes.

"Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact the roads policing unit on 0151 777 5747, or DM @MerPolCC or call 101."