Elderly Man Drives Wrong Way Down A14

Quick-thinking motorists helped avert a potential serious crash when a ‘confused’ elderly driver went the wrong way down the A14 for over six miles.

The vehicle was eventually stopped by Police near Rothwell after the man aged in his 90s travelled west along the eastbound carriageway on Saturday evening.

Numerous drivers called 999 and did their best to warn other motorists until officers arrived.

Video: Jenna Harkin

Eyewitness Chris Blair told HFM: “It was absolutely amazing no one was caught up in an accident from it.

“I think the quick thinking from us and other members of the public that immediately dialled 999, the lightning speed at which the police turned up, and the fact I and other cars were frantically flashing our lights to alert on coming traffic before I pulled into the lay-by saved the night!”

It is thought the driver entered the wrong carriageway at junction 10 near Kettering – he came to a halt close to the Rothwell Service Station near junction 4.

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police told HFM: “We received multiple calls shortly before 8.45pm on Saturday (November 2), reporting that a white car was travelling west along the eastbound carriageway of the A14, between junctions 9 and 7.

“Shortly before 9pm, officers stopped the vehicle, which was being driven by a man in his 90s who appeared to be in a confused state.

“Local response officers took the man home and the incident reported to the DVLA.”