Nigerian NHS worker faces ban after driving against traffic in UK

A Nigerian NHS worker in Manchester, United Kingdom, Innocent Ayodele could lose his driving license after he was caught driving the wrong way on a motorway slip road while trying to avoid a traffic jam.

Ayodele was stopped after driving against the flow of traffic on an entry slip road to the M61.

He reportedly told police that he was trying to get home to his pregnant wife after finishing work.

However, a police officer who confronted him said the manoeuvre was dangerous, noting that Ayodele could have collided with another vehicle.

The incident was brought before Preston Magistrates’ Court, where Ayodele apologised for his actions.

He already has nine penalty points on his driving licence and could face a driving ban when he is sentenced at a later date.

The case comes amid concerns over the dangers posed by motorists who drive in the wrong direction on motorways.

Figures obtained by the Press Association showed that 31 drivers were charged in England and Wales over a 30-week period for offences involving driving the wrong way on motorways.

National Highways data also recorded 947 reports involving “oncoming vehicles” on England’s motorways in the 12 months to May 11, although the agency said the figure could include unconfirmed reports.

The agency stressed that confirmed cases of wrong-way driving remain rare but said every report is treated seriously.

Motoring safety experts have warned that driving against traffic on a motorway can result in potentially fatal head-on collisions.