CAMERAS and a barrier installed to stop cars from using a M62 service station as a cut-through have been slammed as “ridiculous”.

New speed bumps, signs, cameras and a barrier have been installed at Hartshead Moor Service Station to stop cars from using it as a 'cut through' to Highmoor Lane.

A spokesperson for the Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team said earlier this week: "Officers have been in attendance at Hartshead Service Station over recent days advising motorists regarding the restrictions that are in place for entering and leaving the service station via Highmoor Lane.

"New speed bumps and signs have recently been erected and the area is now covered by ANPR cameras.

"A barrier has also been installed and will soon be in operation."

PCSO Dyson said: "This location is known as a cut-through from the motorway and has been used so much that the surface has now deteriorated.

"The number of vehicles using the road also causes issues for the local community.

"At present, ANPR cameras have been installed and these are being monitored for offending vehicles with potential for fines being issued by the relevant authority."

Members of the public took the T&A’s Facebook page to voice their opinions about the situation.

One man said: “Perhaps if Highways England sorted Junction 25, Junction 26 and Junction 27 from being absolute carnage during rush hour then locals wouldn’t use the cut through to get to Cleckheaton, Liversedge, Robertown and Mirfield.

Another person said: “If it’s a normal road that just happens to be a short-cut, how can you now be fined for using it? What am I missing? Of course, I totally understand if you’re driving dangerously.”

One person added: “Ridiculous. Maybe sort out the infrastructure coming into Brighouse, along to Cooper Bridge and around Chain Bar. And why does it need ANPR cameras if there's a barrier? Maybe because we all know that barrier will never be down and it's just another cash printer for the authorities.” 

One man said: “Are they going to put an extra lane on the M62 for peak times as it’s like a car park?

“This shortcut was good for getting off the motorway if traffic was crawling to join the M606 at Chain Bar. Also great for joining the M62 after a visit to Willow Valley Golf Club, shame.”

One person said: “It is a government idea they need us to use more fuel with the extra amount of miles and time it will take. No thoughts of course for their long-suffering public.

“We used to go charge car up and go for a coffee. Also easier to get to our house when motorway is busy or roadworks.”

One person said: “Many years ago, there was a barrier there so there’s nothing new.”

Another said: “It was always locked until the last couple of years it was motorway maintenance access only, then the services started leaving it open.

“Same as “Wooley on M1 and all the locals started using it as their own motorway junction.”