A BMW driver has been handed six points on his licence and a fine after waving both of his arms out of the window while behind Highways England traffic officers.
A video recorded by a Highways England vehicle showed Jeremy Dillon from Carlisle following close to a patrol car heading a rolling roadblock.
Officers said Dillon’s driving gave them the impression he was trying to get past the roadblock, which was being put in place to allow an obstruction at junction 44 of the northbound M6 to be removed.
The footage showed Dillon taking his hands off the wheel then waving them out of the window.
He initially told police officers at Cumbria Constabulary during his interview that he felt his driving wasn’t careless – before being shown the footage.
Driving without due care and attention
He then accepted that the distance between his car and the Highways England vehicle amounted to driving without due care and attention.
He said he couldn’t recall sticking his hands out of the window, but admitted it was a “stupid act” and couldn’t provide a reason other than being annoyed at the roadblock.
He pleaded guilty by post to a charge of careless driving and received six penalty points and a £286 fine.
PC Kevin Bestford of Cumbria Constabulary said: “The Highways England traffic officers were carrying out an important piece of work to keep all road users on the M6 safe.
“A successful rolling roadblock requires concentration and skilled driving, and the last thing these officers needed to deal with was someone driving far too close, attempting to pass and waving their arms out of the car window.
“I hope the driver learns from this experience and comes away from it with a greater appreciation and understanding of the important work of Highways England officers.”