A pensioner who drove the wrong way across the Tay road bridge was allowed to keep his driving licence when he appeared at Dundee Justice of the Peace court.
James Davidson, 87, of West Park Road, Newport, shocked other drivers when he drove southwards along the Dundee-bound carriageway on September 21 this year.
The court was told the elderly man had initially stopped shortly after emerging onto the bridge but had continued along the wrong way, flashing his lights to warn oncoming motorists before alighting onto the roundabout at the Fife end of the bridge and continuing on to his home in Newport.
Depute fiscal Kirsty Urquhart told the court that when he was stopped by police outside his home, Davidson told the officers he understood he was on the wrong carriageway but added: “I couldn’t turn round, I did flash my lights to warn other drivers.”
The court was told the duty bridge supervisor saw Davidson’s silver VW Tiguan attempting to negotiate up the northbound ramp and ran from his office to intercept him.
The accused drove past him but stopped several yards in front and the supervisor thought he had seen him and was about to manoeuvre back.
However, the vehicle started off again down the offside carriageway once an oncoming car had swerved out of its way.
Police at the Fife end of the bridge were alerted and a patrol car saw him coming off the bridge and followed him to his home.
After he spoke to them, police conducted a breath test but it proved negative, the court heard.
The justice of the peace imposed five penalty points and fined Davidson £200 on Tuesday.