DRIVERS trying to avoid an accident on the M5 drove the wrong way down the hard shoulder to get off the motorway.

Motorists have been urged to drive more responsibly following the incident after a crash northbound between Wellington and Taunton.

An off-duty firefighter from Wellington snapped the vehicles going the wrong way last week and published the photo on Facebook.

The motorists were keen to get off the M5 as it was closed for more than three hours.

At the time, the off-duty firefighter posted the following message: "Currently stuck in traffic jam due to an accident on the motorway north bound between Taunton Deane services and the Taunton junction. Some people have taken it upon them selves to drive the wrong way down the hard shoulder and block the hard shoulder."

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We would remind the public to be extremely cautious when they are in the vicinity of a road traffic collision, particularly when they have resulted in road closures and heavy traffic.

“Follow the instructions of emergency services personnel and be patient if there are delays. It is far better to arrive late to your destination than not at all.”