A FED-UP driver who got out of her car and moved cones on the A12 in a bid to skip standstill traffic has been slammed for her “inherently dangerous” actions.
The elderly motorist was caught on camera moving traffic cones separating two Colchester-bound lanes at Marks Tey.
Bemused drivers watch on as she brazenly manoeuvre her green Ford Fiesta through the no man's land between lanes and attempts to join the flowing traffic on Tuesday.
But her daring escape attempt was foiled by a highways worker who was seen berating her and ordering her to reverse back into the left hand lane.
The reckless plot came as National Highways continues its project to reconstruct the A12 between Marks Tey and Stanway, with work expected to continue until early 2024.
The road currently splits into two separate, segregated lanes at junction 25 before rejoining again after the Stanway junction.
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A National Highways spokesman said the elderly driver’s actions came as staff worked to recover a collision which had sparked the queues.
He said: “We take incidents like this extremely seriously. The actions of this driver were inherently dangerous - not only to themselves but other road users as well.
"Since this footage was brought to our attention we have been in contact with Essex Police and are working to identify the driver.
"Traffic management measures, including cones and signage, are there for the safety of the public and our workers.
“Moving them and driving through marked off areas is an offence, a breach of the Highway Code and highly irresponsible.”
A driver who captured the incident on camera branded the lady’s actions “very, very naughty” as he commented on the unfolding situation.
To watch the video on TikTok click here.
He added: “She can’t make her mind up can she? Do I? Don’t I?”
An Essex Police spokesman reminded all motorists to adhere to the Highway Code.
“Areas that are coned off are for the safety of all road users and the roadworkers,” he said.
“Anyone who disregards them is potentially putting themselves and others at risk."
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