I was most saddened to read of the death of a policeman, struck down by a HGV on the M1 while helping a lady who had broken down on the hard shoulder. PC Goodlad, of the Wakefield police, was off duty and on his way home when he stopped to help a member of the public. This policeman was a professional, with reflective clothing, flashing lights, and equipment showing he was stationary, and still he was struck down.

It shows you just how dangerous hard shoulders are. I was on my way to Bristol, last week on the M4, when we saw a stupid fool trying to change his flat tyre on the hard shoulder of the motorway. His two young sons, and wife were inches away from the passing traffic. It made the hairs on our neck stand up, to think of the risk these fools were taking. Is it not the law that you should not attempt repairs on your vehicle without the emergency services in attendance?