POLICE and highways bosses have slammed a driver’s illegal actions on the A12 as an investigation into the incident is launched.

Essex Police say they are investigating an incident on the A12, where a driver was witnessed illegally moving cones from a sectioned-off area. 

Officers say they believe the incident occurred on the northbound carriageway close to the Marks Tey junction on the A12 on Tuesday, April 18, at about 1.30pm.

In a video which has since gone viral on TikTok and other social media, the female driver can be seen getting out of her car whilst in stationary traffic, before moving several traffic cones and attempting to cut through to the other carriageway. 

Her escape attempt was foiled by a highways worker who ordered her to reverse back into the left hand lane.

A police spokesman said: “After liaising with our National Highways partners, it has been established a collision had occurred further up the carriageway.

“This led to traffic remaining stationary while the collision was dealt with.”

Gazette: Boss - Head of Roads Policing Adam Pipe said the video was particularly shockingBoss - Head of Roads Policing Adam Pipe said the video was particularly shocking (Image: Essex Police)

Adam Pipe, head of roads policing, said “I appreciate that a video of this incident has been circulating on social media due to it being particularly shocking. 

“Areas that are coned off are for the safety of all road users and the roadworkers.

"Anyone who disregards them is potentially putting themselves and others at risk. 

“We are working with National Highways to investigate this report and continue to keep roads in Essex safe. 

“We would ask motorists to adhere to the Highway Code and follow any other local instructions when using the roads in Essex. 

“You can help us reduce collisions and casualties to make roads in Essex safer by reporting all instances of poor and dangerous driving.” 

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Simon Amor, National Highways Head of Scheme Delivery, added: "Traffic management measures 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.

"Safety is an absolute priority for National Highways. We want everyone to get home safe and well, and that goes for our workers too."

Anyone who captures poor and dangerous driving on dash cam or other footage can upload it to Extra Eyes – how you can help – SERP (saferessexroads.org) where it will be reviewed by an investigator within Road Policing at Essex Police.

In appropriate cases, police say they will take “positive action” against offenders, using the evidence supplied by the public.