Bank Holiday Blues: Drivers Risk Fines for "Roadside Relief"
With the bank holiday weekend approaching, motorists are being warned about a common â but illegal â practice that could see them facing hefty fines. A recent survey revealed that one in twenty drivers have been caught urinating in public, with experts warning that the temptation to "relieve oneself" on the side of the road could lead to an unpleasant encounter with the law.
While it may seem like a harmless act, particularly when caught in a long traffic jam, urinating in public is a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice and Police Act. Drivers caught in the act could be slapped with an on-the-spot penalty ranging from £60 to £90, depending on the circumstances.
The law states that any act of a "lewd, obscene or of disgusting character, which outrages minimum standards of public decency" taking place in a public place or within view of the public is an offence, even if no one witnesses it.
John Woosey, founder of Ripe Caravan Insurance, highlighted the increased risk during bank holidays, noting that traffic queues on major motorways and roads are a common occurrence. He stressed the importance of planning ahead for toilet breaks, reminding drivers of the potential penalties and even prison sentences that could result from ignoring the law.
James OâMalley of Select Car Leasing echoed these concerns, emphasizing the safety hazards associated with pulling over on the hard shoulder. "The hard shoulder is not a safe place to be," he warned. "Pulling over for reasons other than an emergency puts yourself and other road users at risk. The regulations are in place for a reason. No matter how desperate you are, stay on the motorway and aim for the nearest service station instead."
Select Car Leasingâs research found that drivers in London are most likely to pull over on the roadside to urinate, with almost a third of men (32%) admitting to having done so, compared to 11% of women. OâMalley attributed this to the declining number of public urinals in recent years, reminding drivers that there are ample service stations along motorways.
He cautioned against blocking the hard shoulder, emphasising the potential disruption to emergency services. "If you're stuck in a traffic jam and need a toilet break, you need to be mindful of blocking the hard shoulder. It could prevent emergency vehicles from getting through," he said.
As the bank holiday approaches, drivers are urged to exercise caution and plan ahead for their journeys. Taking the time to stop at a service station can save a lot of trouble in the long run, avoiding the risk of fines, and more importantly, ensuring the safety of yourself and other road users.
