Notters,
Generally speaking, hard shoulders are for the emergency services
(and of course emergencies we have - breakdowns etc).
Ok - there might be exceptions, but that's why cars that drive on a
hard shoulder when there's a jam will be fined/prosecuted
generally sh*t on by the authorities.
I'm sure the ambulances/police cars which BY NECESSITY need to pile through hard shoulders
when there is an accident in the area for access would think it was fantastic common sense
as well. That's the main function of hard shoulders.