Photo Police nationale de la Drôme

HGV driver fined for parking up on the hard shoulder to cook lunch

A Spanish lorry driver has been fined by French police officers after he was spotted on the hard shoulder cooking his lunch with a gas canister by his parked truck.

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In the past, we have brought you news of how some lorry drivers have been fined for taking toilet breaks on the hard shoulder. These stories have always generated a bit of debate about whether such hard shoulder breaks should be tolerated, particularly in the light of the shortage of facilities available in the UK and some other countries.

However, this case is surely a lot more clear cut.

As reported by multiple French media outlets, last Saturday, a Spanish driver was seen preparing his lunch next to his truck parked on the hard shoulder of the Valence bypass, where the A47 meets the A7.

The driver had even pulled out a gas canister in order to ensure he had a proper hot meal.

The Spaniard was promptly fined for parking on the hard shoulder, while officers also went about inspecting his truck. The inspection found 7 defective tyres, which had to be changed before the lorry could continue its journey.