Motorists who drove down the hard shoulder after queues built on the motorway this afternoon are being warned to expect a letter from police dropping through their letterbox.

Police have said that more than a 100 motorists will be receiving a letter in the post for driving on the hard shoulder while emergency services were dealing with an incident on the M56.

This afternoon emergency services had to close the motorway near the airport after an electrical cable became loose.

Diversions were put in place for motorists - but some, say police, took to the hard shoulder to pass the queuing traffic with their actions delaying the emergency response.

A spokesman for GMP Traffic said: "Emergency Services were delayed whilst attending the closure of the M56 at Junction 4 today.

"100-plus drivers will be receiving a letter from GMP Traffic and unfortunately, it won't be a Christmas card.

"The hard shoulder is for emergencies only, not for bypassing the queue."

This is not the first time police have issued notices in the post for the actions of motorists on the motorway.

Earlier this year motorists who ignored motorway lane closures indicated by a red X signal were warned to expect to a letter through the post warning them about impending fines and points on their licence.

The M56 was shut westbound between junction three and four - Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport - from just before noon.

It was reopened just after 1pm. Motorists faced delays of more than an hour until the electrical cable was made safe.

The AA states that the hard shoulder must only be used in an an emergency.

It’s an offence and you may be penalised by the police to use the hard shoulder for other reasons.

If you have a puncture, medical emergency, mechanical breakdown, or items you are transporting on your car or in your trailer have come loose, you may use the hard shoulder.