NORTH Wales Police have warned drivers who went to law-breaking lengths to avoid Friday's A55 closure to expect penalty notices in the coming days.

The road was shut at Penmaenbach near the tunnel in both directions just before midday from J17 with the A547 (Conwy Morfa) to J16A Glan-Yr-Afon Road (Dwygyfylchi) as North Wales Fire Service dealt with an electrical fire.

Queues stretched back to Llandudno Junction and Glan Conwy Westbound and Penmaenmawr eastbound. 

The Sychnant Pass road also became gridlocked due to drivers trying to avoid the road closure.

During the incident North Wales Police were forced to remind motorists to obey the red 'X' on the road gantries on the approach as some vehicles chose to ignore them. They also issued a warning about making u-turns on the dual carriageway and reversing up slip roads. 

Now North Wales Police Road Unit has told drivers who caused additional chaos with as they tried to escape the gridlock that they can expect to receive fines and penalty points on their licenses. 

"Additional delays were created due to the fact that motorists were turning their vehicles around and driving against the traffic flow," the Road Unit posted on Facebook.  "'Oh they did it' and 'I was just following them' is not an excuse.

"A number of drivers were spoken to and told to expect a letter through the post, likely to be a fine and points.

"Nobody likes to be stuck on the carriageway and we know it's incredibly frustrating and people have places to be - but all we ask is for a little bit of patience and understanding.

"Huge thanks to all those who were patient."