A motorist is accused of driving through traffic cones and in the wrong direction on the M26 as emergency services responded to a fatal crash.

John Cosgrove, of Chertsey Lane in Surrey, is due to appear in court accused of ignoring road closures and moving traffic cones during a police response to a crash which killed a man on Wednesday, February 14.

Officers had closed the motorway, including a slip road at junction three of the M20, while they dealt with the fatal crash between a van and a lorry.

It is alleged that shortly before 1.30pm, the driver of a Volvo XC70 ignored red X symbols on road signs and drove around, moving traffic cones, before travelling down the closed M26.

Police intercepted the car as it was being driven in the direction of oncoming traffic that was being redirected.

The 43-year-old was arrested and taken into custody.

He was then charged and has been bailed to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on April 11.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “A motorist is to appear in court accused of ignoring road closures and moving traffic cones during a police response to a fatal collision on the M26.

“On Wednesday 14 February 2024, officers closed the motorway, along with a slip road at junction 3 of the M20.

“The restrictions had been enforced while emergency services attended a collision on the M26 involving a van and lorry, which led to the death of a man.

“It is alleged that at around 1.25pm the driver of a Volvo XC70 ignored red ‘X’ symbols on road signs and drove around and moved traffic cones, before travelling down the closed M26.

“Police intercepted the vehicle as it was being driven in the direction of oncoming traffic, which was being redirected. 

“John Cosgrove, 43, of Chertsey Lane, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey was arrested and taken into custody.

“He was later charged with dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

“He is bailed to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 11 April.”