Several motorists are facing possible police action after allegedly turning around and driving the wrong way along an M6 slip road near Lancaster to escape traffic caused by a collision.
Lancashire Police said a number of vehicles and drivers have already been identified. Nobody was seriously injured, but officers warned that the manoeuvres could have resulted in a head-on crash with motorists entering the motorway correctly.
M6 Junction 34 incident timeline
Before 1:45pm: A collision occurs on the M6 northbound near Halton Interchange.
Shortly before 1:45pm: Lancashire Police receive a report of the crash as traffic starts building behind it.
During the delay: Several motorists allegedly turn around and travel back up the motorway entry slip road.
Police response: Officers begin identifying the vehicles and appeal for dashcam and mobile-phone footage.
Where did the incident happen?
The original collision happened on the northbound M6 near Junction 34 on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The junction, known as Halton Interchange, connects the motorway with Lancaster and surrounding communities.
Police have not disclosed the cause of the initial collision, the types of vehicles involved or how long the resulting disruption lasted.
As the queue developed, some motorists allegedly turned around instead of waiting. They then travelled against the normal direction on the entry slip road leading toward the M6.
Why was the manoeuvre so dangerous?
An entry slip road carries vehicles toward a motorway. Drivers using it correctly concentrate on accelerating, checking traffic and preparing to merge; they would not reasonably expect another vehicle to approach head-on.
Police said motorists were travelling down the slip road in the correct direction when the alleged wrong-way driving occurred. Other witnesses may have been waiting in vehicles on the main carriageway.
No serious injuries were reported in either the initial collision or the slip-road incidents. Lancashire Police nevertheless described the conduct as “absolutely unacceptable” and said the consequences could have been devastating.
Have any drivers been arrested or charged?
No arrests, charges or penalties had been announced when police issued their warning. The force confirmed only that a number of vehicles and drivers had been identified and that “appropriate action” would be taken.
Investigators will need to examine what each motorist did before deciding whether an offence was committed. Evidence may include vehicle registration details, witness statements, dashcam recordings and mobile-phone video.
Being identified by police does not mean a driver has been charged or found responsible. Different action could be considered for different motorists depending on the available evidence.
What do motorway rules say?
Rule 263 of the Highway Code says drivers must not reverse along any part of a motorway, including its slip roads, hard shoulders and emergency areas. Motorists must also not travel against the traffic flow unless directed by a police or traffic officer.
The precise offence considered in this case will depend on the circumstances and the level of danger allegedly created. Police have not confirmed whether the investigation involves motorway regulations or potentially more serious careless or dangerous-driving allegations.
Why is the investigation receiving national attention?
The incident occurred shortly after the A66 wrong-way crash near Middlesbrough that killed seven people, including two Cleveland Police officers.
There is no reported connection between the two cases. Lancashire Police referred to the fatal consequences seen elsewhere, however, while warning that impatience during congestion can place multiple lives at risk.
Road restrictions are intended to protect drivers even when the danger is not immediately obvious. That principle was also highlighted following the Port Adelaide bus collision at a low rail bridge, where route restrictions became central to understanding how the incident occurred.
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How can witnesses provide evidence?
Police want to hear from motorists who travelled through Junction 34 at about 1:45pm on Sunday, particularly anyone who saw vehicles travelling against the flow or recorded the manoeuvres.
Information and footage can be submitted through the official Lancashire Police reporting service. Witnesses should retain original recordings and include the approximate time, location, direction of travel and any visible vehicle details.
What should drivers do in motorway gridlock?
Drivers must remain in their lane and follow motorway signs or instructions from police and traffic officers. Traffic delays do not allow motorists to reverse, turn around, travel the wrong way along a slip road or use the hard shoulder as an exit.
When a motorway remains closed for an extended period, police or National Highways officers may organise a controlled release of trapped vehicles. Motorists should move only when instructed and follow the route provided.
Lancashire Police acknowledged that stationary traffic can be frustrating but said it was never an excuse to endanger other people. The investigation remains active while officers examine evidence and determine what action should be taken.
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