Motorists have been fined or ordered to take a driver awareness course after they illegally used the hard shoulder to get off the M2 when a broken down vehicle caused traffic jams.

A total of 23 drivers were identified by Highways England officers using the hard shoulder to get off the motorway at Gillingham.

The coast-bound carriageway came to a standstill after a silver VW van broke down near junction 4.

A resulting oil spill from the vehicle meant motorists were unable to drive on lanes two and three.

But while Highways officers managed the incident at the scene, a number of vehicles in the congestion drove on the hard shoulder to get off the motorway.

The 23 motorists’ details where then passed to Kent Police and 22 of them agreed to either pay a fine or take a drivers’ awareness course.

One motorist, Michael Steed, 57, from Essex opted to go to Medway Magistrates’ Court where he was given a £100 fine and three points on his licence.

Chief Insp Amanda Tillotson said: “It can be inconvenient to motorists when there are traffic delays, we understand that, but the hard shoulder is only to be used by vehicles that break down or the emergency services.

“If there is congestion and the hard shoulder becomes blocked and emergency services cannot get passed, the safety of other people is put at risk.

“This enforcement sends a clear message that irresponsible behaviour by motorists will not be tolerated.”

A Highways England spokesman added: “Safety for our road workers and road users is our top priority.

“Driving on the hard shoulder is dangerous to other road users and delays the reopening of roads.

“Road traffic officers deserve as safe an environment as possible to do their important work ensuring that our roads are opened as quickly as possible after incidents such as this.”