Elderly driver who drove wrong way down M40 found

Concerned motorists reported seeing a light blue hatchback going southbound on the northbound carriageway on Monday afternoon, driving head-on into the path of oncoming traffic.

READ AGAIN: 'Frantic' drivers describe seeing woman driving wrong way on M40

The car was seen in the fast lane near Junction 8 for Wheatley and drivers described having to swerve out of the way to avoid the car.

Junction 8 of the M40 near Wheatley. Picture by Ed Nix

At the time, police said they had received several calls about the driver, who was spotted shortly before 2.30pm, and appealed for help to track down the woman.

It was just one junction along from a fatal wrong-way crash that killed three people in October.

READ AGAIN: More details about victims of M40 'wrong way' crash

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said investigating officers had identified the vehicle from dash-cam footage.

He added: "The driver, a lady in her 80s, was traced and officers visited her and she admitted that it was her driving at the time of the incident.

"Following a discussion the driver voluntarily surrendered her driving license. The investigation has now been concluded."

Oxfordshire County Council confirmed yesterday it is putting temporary signs in place to help tackle the problem area at Junction 8A.

Full details about M40 changes to stop drivers going the wrong way

County council spokesman Martin Crabtree said: "The access to junction 8a of the M40 is properly signed with ‘no entry’ signs, solid white lines and chevron signs.

"However, in view of the two incidents that have seen drivers on the wrong side of the M40, we have agreed with Highways England that we will install additional temporary signs at this junction in the short term and discuss whether any additional measures would be appropriate on a permanent basis at this and other approaches to the M40.”