30 drivers escaped with a citation, even though they all broke the law and drove in the emergency lane. Another 19 must now pay a fine for exactly the same thing.
During a check on the Koge Bugt Motorway, the police found that one driver per minute breaks the law and drives into the emergency lane.
The Central and West Zealand Police carried out a check at junction 27, Greve Nord, after drivers were observed 'driving in the emergency lane' several times.
In the course of 45 minutes, a traffic officer stopped and charged 19 drivers. Another 30 drivers escaped charges because the officer could not have time to write up all of the drivers for breaking the traffic law.
In addition to the check, the officer observed that a significant number of drivers were using the emergency lane to avoid queues.
Several drivers were seen following each other in the emergency lane to get off at exit 27 faster. This prompted a targeted check.
Drivers should expect more checks on the highway
The drivers charged in most cases explained that they had tried to clear traffic faster. One driver reacted angrily and refused to give an explanation.
Violation of the traffic law. Driving into the emergency lane to get through costs 2,000 kroner, a cut to your driving license and 500 kroner to the Victims' Fund.
The police emphasize that driving in the emergency lane constitutes a safety risk. The emergency lane is intended for emergency situations and must be kept clear of traffic.
If an accident occurs, emergency vehicles may be prevented from reaching the scene and traffic may come to a standstill if the emergency lane is full.
The check was noticed by other road users, and the officer received appreciative comments from at least 50 drivers. Several of the law-abiding drivers were clearly frustrated with those who tried to avoid the queue by using the emergency lane.
The Central and West Zealand Police have made the Danish Road Directorate aware of the ongoing problems with queues at the junction.
The problems are mainly due to queues forming in the left-turn lane at the traffic light. The police say that drivers can expect that the checks on the stretch, and especially in the emergency lane, will continue for some time to come.
