Motorists on the A34 were forced to take evasive action as a driver sped along the wrong side of the dual-carriageway for more than 15 miles.

Drivers on the northbound carriageway near Abingdon braked and swerved as they saw headlights bearing down on them. One motorist called the police by mobile phone, and traffic officers from Abingdon were ordered to intercept the car at 11.44pm.

It was finally stopped at Harwell six miles on, but police believe the female driver may have joined the A34 at Botley.

Fiona Green was confronted by the oncoming car as she drove back to her home near Banbury after a family meal in Abingdon. She said: "It was very shocking. Everyone slowed down in confusion. It was just very lucky that it didn't hit anyone because it was travelling terribly fast."

A 26-year-old woman has been charged with dangerous driving, obstructing police and driving without licence or insurance.