M8 crash: Commuter's shock as 'drivers do three point turn' on motorway amid traffic chaos

A driver snarled up in traffic on the M8 claims frustrated drivers have been doing three point turns in the middle of the motorway and escaping down the nearest hard shoulder to avoid major delays.

Angus Quark is one of the commuters caught up in the travel chaos on Scotland’s busiest motorway following two separate crashes near Shotts.

The driver took a picture of several vehicles facing the opposite direction to traffic claiming motorists have started turning around and driving down the hard shoulder to avoid the long delays.

While held up in the traffic jam he posted a message on Twitter saying: “People now doing three point turns on the M8 and heading the wrong way down the hard shoulder. This is mental.”

Cars spotted facing the wrong way on the M8 during traffic chaos following serious crash near Shotts picture: Angus Quark

Mr Quark claims he has been stuck on the road for more than six hours.

There have been several reports of "numerous" drivers reversing up slip roads to get off the motorway.

Traffic Scotland said: "It is incredibly dangerous and risks causing an RTC. Police are aware of the issue.""

Commuters on the M8 have been delayed since a crash happened at 4am this morning, Friday, 2 October.

The road between J4a and J5, near Whitburn, West Lothian, where the accident took place is still closed.

A separate crash then happened a few hours later near J6 which caused more delays to traffic in the area.

A police spokeswoman said: “Officers remain in attendance at a road traffic incident on the M8 near to junction 5 at Shotts.

“Emergency services are still at the scene and the road is expected to remain closed for some time.

“Officers are working to alleviate the traffic and turn motorists around.

“Drivers are thanked for their patience while enquiries are ongoing.”

In relation to the accident near J6 she added: “Officers are currently dealing with a second crash involving two vehicles on the M8 eastbound at junction 6A, which happened around 7.45am on Friday, 2 October, 2020.

“Emergency services are currently in attendance.”

To keep up to date with further information on the M8 crash you can visit Edinburgh Evening News or The Scotsman

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