The moment a motorist was stopped from 'causing serious injury' on the M62 after driving up the hard shoulder through an emergency roadblock has been released.

The roadblock was in place after a crash between Junction 21 and 22 near Rochdale while emergency services responded on September 29 at around 8.30pm.

As highway patrols removed the debris from the motorway, vehicles were held back to ensure the safety of the workers.

However, in footage released by Greater Manchester Police, the driver of a Nissan Micra can be seen driving up the hard shoulder past the block and towards people walking across the carriageway. 

His efforts were quickly put to an end though, with one of GMP's new roads policing officers making tactical contact with minor damage bringing the car to a halt.

Chief Inspector Mike Parker from our roads policing unit said: “This clip highlights the real and stark dangers of motorway policing that thankfully prevented any serious injury, due to the fast actions by our officer to make tactical contact whilst first responders were in the road.

“We can’t express how dangerous this driver’s action were, especially as a pedestrian and paramedic were crossing the carriageway following the initial crash.

“At times due to how busy our motorway network is you may be stuck in standstill traffic due to accidents, there is no excuse for ignoring the signage and becoming impatient it is there for a reason to ensure the safety of all.

"It will not be tolerated and in this case retrospective action is being taken against this irresponsible driver.”

According to law, it is illegal to drive or stop on the hard shoulder unless in the case of an emergency, break down or being directed onto it by police or roadworks.