Dangerous Lorry Driver Hits Car, Flees After 25-Mile Hard Shoulder Spree
Francis Nailor, 82, from Stapleton, Bristol, narrowly avoided jail for a terrifying stunt on the M4 last year. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to stop after a shocking collision with a stranded Hyundai. Today (04/05), Swindon Crown Court handed him a six-month suspended sentence and ordered him to pay costs.
Hard Shoulder Horror on the M4
On the evening of 21 March, Nailor was spotted hurtling eastbound on the M4’s hard shoulder near Leigh Delamere Services. The 44-tonne articulated lorry was travelling at around 50mph, careering down the motorway’s emergency lane.
Despite fellow drivers flashing warnings, Nailor struck a Hyundai that had pulled over with a flat tyre between junctions 17 and 16. The car’s driver and passengers were thankfully out of the vehicle, but the lorry shoved the Hyundai into a ditch before Nailor sped off.
A 25-Mile Chase Ends in Arrest
Police caught up with Nailor at junction 15 after he drove some 25 miles on the hard shoulder. He was arrested and taken to Gablecross Police Station while the lorry was recovered.
Officer Warns: Hard Shoulder Driving Is Illegal and Deadly
“This was an incredibly dangerous incident, in the dark, and it is only the good will of those members of public who put themselves at risk that there were no serious injuries or fatalities,” said PC Alan King of the Roads Policing Unit.
“If they hadn’t driven ahead to warn the Hyundai occupants, this could have ended far worse.”
PC King added: “Driving on the hard shoulder is illegal unless directed by police or during roadworks. It’s there for emergencies only. Drivers should always leave their vehicles on the left side and wait safely behind barriers or on embankments.”
