A suspected drink driver abandoned his vehicle on the M4 exit slip road at Junction 16 near Swindon West and walked onto the motorway before disappearing, prompting a police search and temporary motorway closure. The incident occurred at around 10:15 AM on Thursday, June 12.
Wiltshire Police received reports of the driver stopping on the slip road under suspicion of drink driving. Fortunately, a vigilant member of the public intervened by removing the keys from the ignition, preventing the vehicle from being driven further.
After leaving the car, the driver walked towards the motorway itself. For safety reasons, traffic in both directions on the M4 was halted while officers conducted a search for the individual. Despite extensive efforts, the man has yet to be located. Police, however, are confident he is no longer on the motorway, allowing traffic to resume.
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The abandoned vehicle was recovered, and investigations are ongoing. National Highways reported that the incident resulted in delays of approximately 45 minutes. The motorway fully reopened by 11:30 AM.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson stated: “At around 10:15 this morning, we received a report of a possible drink driver stopped on the M4 exit slip road at junction 16. A member of the public removed the keys from the ignition, and the driver left the vehicle, walking towards the motorway.
“Traffic was stopped in both directions to ensure safety and allow search efforts. While the driver remains unlocated, we are confident he is not on the motorway. Traffic has now resumed, and the vehicle has been recovered as our enquiries continue.”