Driver, 70s, disqualified after driving around Southend roundabout the wrong way
The woman also had an expired licence
A driver who caused a collision by travelling the wrong way around a roundabout in Southend has been disqualified from driving for six months.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 8 January, officers were contacted by the driver of a VW Beetle who reported a collision on Queensway Roundabout.
The incident involved a Suzuki Vitara, which had been driven the wrong way around the roundabout before colliding with the Beetle and leaving the scene without stopping.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
As part of the investigation, an officer secured CCTV footage from Southend Council, which clearly showed the Suzuki Vitara travelling against the flow of traffic. This footage was instrumental in identifying the driver.
The driver, a woman in her 70s, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday 24 June, where she pleaded guilty to:
• Failing to stop after a collision
• Driving without due care and attention
• Driving with an expired licence
She was disqualified from driving for six months, fined £120, and ordered to pay additional court costs. Her licence was also endorsed.
Sergeant Pete Sharpe, who leads the team of investigators, said:
"Roundabouts are designed for one-way traffic. Driving the wrong way puts you directly in the path of oncoming vehicles, significantly increasing the risk of serious or even fatal collisions. Other drivers expect vehicles to follow the correct flow, and any deviation can cause panic, sudden braking, or swerving—leading to avoidable crashes."