Woman Banned After Stopping Car on M4 High-Speed Lane While On Ketamine
A Surrey woman has been banned from the roads for two years after she dangerously stopped her car in the middle of the M4 motorway under the influence of ketamine. Bethan Markfort, from Reigate, caused chaos on April 18 when she halted her vehicle in lane two between Membury and Junction 15 near Swindon, forcing lorries and other drivers to swerve to avoid a potentially deadly crash.
Shock on the Motorway: Drug-Addled Driver Puts Lives at Risk
Witnesses quickly alerted police, who arrived to find Markfort appeared intoxicated. Tests later revealed she had over ten times the legal limit of ketamine in her system—a staggering level putting multiple lives in danger.
Court Punishment: Fined, Costs, and Driving Ban
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court on October 7, Markfort pleaded guilty to drug driving. She was slapped with a two-year driving ban, fined £1,200, plus a £480 surcharge and £85 in court fees.
“Markfort’s actions were incredibly reckless and dangerous and put a number of lives, including her own, at risk. It is extremely fortunate that the drivers behind her were able to react in time and avoid a serious collision.” – Roads Policing Officer Tom Webster
Officer Webster blasted the reckless driving, stressing, “There can be no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, let alone travelling that distance with such high ketamine levels.”
This incident stands as a harsh warning against drug driving. Authorities urge the public to stay alert and report suspicious road behaviour immediately to keep everyone safe.
