A Bristol pensioner has been banned from the road after driving his car the wrong way down a dual carriageway in Swindon.
Officers were called to reports of a vehicle travelling south along the northbound carriageway of the busy A419.
They spotted the grey Honda CR-V as they approached the Hyde Road slip road and from the correct carriageway were eventually able to flag it down.
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The car stopped in the second live lane next to a gap in the central reservation.
Driver Douglas Buckland was taken to Gablecross Police Station and the vehicle was moved to safety.
The incident took place on Sunday, October 31 at shortly before 6am.
The 82-year-old of Cottrell Avenue, Bristol, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (December 16), where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was fined £416.
He was also disqualified for 24 months - and until an extended test of competence has been passed.
Inspector Steve Love of Wiltshire Police said: “The Honda was driving directly towards oncoming traffic and vehicles were flashing their lights to try and get the driver’s attention.
“It is fortunate that the vehicles were able to avoid Buckland’s car and avoid a head-on collision. Officers had to respond quickly for the safety of the driver and those using the A419 at the time.
“We are thankful nobody was hurt or worse as a result of this incident."
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