A resting swan had to be ushered to safety from the outside lane of a motorway after halting Easter holiday traffic.
The wayward bird was “politely encouraged” to move off the M6 northbound carriageway near Walsall in the West Midlands, Highways England said.
Motorists were urged to approach the area with caution and the outside lane was closed off after the swan was spotted shortly after 10am on Good Friday.
After a brief rolling road block by @HighwaysWMIDS the swan was politely encouraged to move from #M6 northbound within J8 (#M5). All lanes are NOW OPEN, thanks for your patience. Safe travels today. pic.twitter.com/f7YWgmfcSx
— Highways England (@HighwaysWMIDS) March 30, 2018
The Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) said overhead signs were used to warn of the hazard – although several motorists ignored the signals and headed straight for the “stranded” swan.
The CMPG later tweeted: “Good news about the Swan.. It was obviously having a rest. It flew off after 2 HGV drivers decided to stop the traffic and attempt a rescue.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here