An elderly driver has been injured after driving 10 kilometres (six miles) in the wrong direction on a major French motorway before colliding with a safety vehicle.
The 88-year-old driver crashed into a vehicle belonging to the Direction interdépartementale des routes du Centre-Ouest (Dirco) on the A20 motorway on Tuesday, sparking calls for more restrictions to be imposed on older motorists.
According to initial reports from The Connexion, the driver became confused due to the difference in driving sides between the UK and France.
The incident occurred when the British motorist entered the motorway at an exit in Creuse and proceeded to drive on the wrong side for approximately 10 kilometres.
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The 88-year-old driver travelled more than six miles in the wrong direction on a French motorway
PA/GETTY
The collision eventually took place near Arnac-la-Poste in the Haute-Vienne department of western France. Wrong-way drivers have been a persistent problem on French roads, with several instances recorded daily and multiple fatalities recorded each year.
The nearby construction workers at the scene escaped unharmed, with the elderly driver being the only person to suffer injuries in the collision.
Fortunately, his injuries were reported to be minor, and he was transported to Limoges hospital for treatment. This marks the third incident in recent years where a vehicle has been involved in a collision due to travelling along the wrong side of the motorway.
The Direction interdépartementale des routes, which operates and manages the state road network in France, has stated it will file a complaint against the driver.
Local government services are working to reduce the problem of wrong-way drivers on French motorways. Their efforts include increasing police patrols to ensure drivers are following motorway rules correctly.
While the British pensioner's confusion may have stemmed from the difference in driving sides, authorities note that in many instances, wrong-way drivers are young and often under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The incident comes as the EU prepares to implement new driving licence regulations that could impact elderly drivers across the bloc.
The changes, expected to be approved in the coming weeks, will give member states four years to implement them, meaning they would be in place by 2029.
One key change will be the digitisation of driving licences, with digital versions available in an EU 'digital wallet' by 2030. This mirrors changes happening in the UK with digital licences set to come into effect over the summer.
Under the plans, drivers will be able to access their licences and other driving information through the GOV.UK app and wallet, which will allow people to prove their age from their phone in shops or online.
Physical licences will still be available for those who prefer them, which may benefit older drivers who remain less comfortable with digital technology.
The EU has also asked member states to consider more stringent medical checks for elderly drivers, though this cannot be enforced.
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The elderly driver was 'confused' over the French road traffic rules
GETTYInstead, all drivers will be required to complete a self-assessment form when renewing their licence. France currently issues licences valid for 15 years regardless of age and has traditionally resisted implementing mandatory medical tests for elderly drivers.
