Female motorists are much less likely to illegally misuse the hard shoulder while on their bank holiday travels, research suggests.

Figures released today by esure show nearly half of male drivers have stopped on the hard shoulder even if they have not broken down, compared to 30 per cent of women.

It is also claimed men are much more likely to stop on the hard shoulder to go to the toilet with 29 per cent owning up to this, compared with just 13 per cent of women.

Esure spokesman Mike Pickard said: "It is worrying a large percentage of UK drivers are unsure of the correct use of the hard shoulder in the run up to one of the busiest bank holidays."

The information also shows half of all drivers across both sexes are unaware stopping on the hard shoulder is illegal unless a car has broken down or there is an emergency.

Stopping to read maps and using a phone were the most common reasons why people had ignored the law and pulled up.

The government is investigating the idea of allowing drivers to use the hard shoulder at peak times to reduce congestion, although critics fear this could increase confusion surrounding road regulations.

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