Drivers issued urgent warning of huge fines as police tell motorists to expect 'a letter through the post'

Traffic Wales originally posted that the A55 Penmaenbach Headland/Tunnel was closed in both directions as a result of the fire, leaving motorists stuck in gridlock.

At the time, North Wales Police urged motorists to observe the "red X" on the gantry signs above the road, instructing them not to proceed any further.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

The police also stated that drivers "MUST NOT" perform a U-turn in the carriageway or "reverse up onslips against the flow of traffic".

NWP Roads Policing Unit also noted that surrounding roads were also gridlocked as a result of people trying to avoid the road closure.

Traffic data suggests that the blaze broke out at around 11.15am, with the road reopening at around 1pm in the afternoon, although long delays continued.

However, a number of motorists ignored the warning from the police and broke road rules to avoid being stuck on the approach to the Penmaenbach Tunnel.

As a result, North Wales Police slammed the inconsiderate drivers on social media, saying that people could "expect letters in the post" following the incident.

Posting on Facebook, North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit stated: "Additional delays were created due to the fact that motorists were turning their vehicles around and driving against the traffic flow - 'oh they did it' and 'I was just following them' is not an excuse.

"A number of drivers were spoken to and told to expect a letter through the post, likely to be a fine and points.

"Nobody likes to be stuck on the carriageway and we know it's incredibly frustrating and people have places to be - but all we ask is for a little bit of patience and understanding."

The NWP Roads Policing Unit also thanked motorists who were patient when waiting in the delays.

Social media users had conflicting views of the incident, with some arguing that motorists needed more patience, while others said the police were being too heavy-handed.

One motorist said: "If the police or the traffic officers used common sense maybe they could have sorted it out saving the law-abiding public trying to do it themselves finding themselves in trouble with the law."

Another commented: "OMG what were they thinking?!? I hope the fines and points are hefty."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Drivers call for Ulez to be replaced with Paris-style traffic zone that restricts car access - 'Great idea!'
• Motorists risk vehicles being seized and crushed by police for breaking crucial driving law this week
• Faulty cameras saw drivers slapped with £4m in major Dart Charge error - 'Unforgiving!'

A third noted: "Nobody has patience on the road now, everybody is all for themselves and sod the rest."