M55 traffic video shows cow running in front of cars on motorway

A young cow broke loose from its field and ran onto a busy M55 yesterday (Thursday, August 10).
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 11th Aug 2023, 10:44 BST
Updated 11th Aug 2023, 10:56 BST
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One family filmed the incident after the cow trotted in front of their car between Preston and Kirkham at around 2.30pm.

Lancashire Police were forced to close the eastbound carriageway between junctions 4 and 3 while the cow was safely rescued from the motorway.

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A video taken by the family shows the cow standing on the hatched area between a slip road and the main carriageway. It then begins trotting in front of their car near the central reservation, picking up speed, before running back acrosss lanes of oncoming traffic.

The eastbound carriage of the M55 was forced to close at around 2.50pm on Thursday (August 10) after the cow ran onto the motorway. (Picture by Victoria Jackson)The eastbound carriage of the M55 was forced to close at around 2.50pm on Thursday (August 10) after the cow ran onto the motorway. (Picture by Victoria Jackson)
The eastbound carriage of the M55 was forced to close at around 2.50pm on Thursday (August 10) after the cow ran onto the motorway. (Picture by Victoria Jackson)

At one point, a motorist can be seen swerving to avoid hitting the cow as it casually walked across three lanes of traffic heading towards Preston.

"Please be advised the M55 Eastbound is currently closed between Junction 4 and Junction 3,” said Lancashire Police as the force warned motorists of the incident.

"The road is closed due to reports of animals on the carriageway and we anticipate this will be closed for some time. Thank you in advance for your patience.”

At around 2.50pm, Lancashire Police confirmed the the cow had been safely recovered and the motorway reopened.

Related topics:M55Lancashire PolicePrestonKirkham