Swan rescued after stopping traffic on M1 near Northampton
Traffic was brought to a standstill as officers captured the bird using a special bag.
A swan caused motorway traffic to come to a halt on the M1 near Northampton after landing on the road, National Highways has reported.
The confused bird, spotted on a wet carriageway on the morning of 19th November, was seen wandering in and out of the path of oncoming vehicles. Footage from motorway CCTV cameras revealed cars and lorries stopping completely to avoid hitting the swan.
The swan eventually moved to the verge but soon returned to the road before being rescued by two National Highways traffic officers from the Watford Gap outstation.
Using a swan bag – a safety device carried in their vehicles – the officers managed to safely catch the bird within 10 minutes. It was then relocated to a small lake near Junction 16 in Northampton.
Adrian Woods, one of the officers involved, said: "Unfortunately, when the roads are wet or there is a haze over the carriageway, swans think it is a body of water and land on the road.
"It is a bit of a shock when they hit the ground so the swan was a bit confused and its ego bruised."
Woods explained that the bird quickly recovered from its ordeal before being driven to safety. "It was a happy ending all round," he said.
Woods, who has worked with National Highways for seven years, revealed this was the fourth swan rescue he has carried out during his career.
The swan’s arrival on the busy four-lane motorway resulted in some temporary disruption, but traffic was flowing again shortly after it was removed.
National Highways reminded motorists to remain patient and vigilant when wildlife is on the road.