Car left looking like this after going wrong way up the M6

Police say the driver was four times over the legal alcohol limit

18:17, 05 Aug 2025Updated 18:17, 05 Aug 2025

Staffordshire Police[1] have shared the dramatic aftermath of a drink-driver's reckless motorway escapades. The dangerous driver crashed his car on the M6 before heading the wrong way up the northbound carriageway - before smashing head-on into a heavy goods vehicle.

He was detained shortly afterwards by officers from the Staffordshire Road Crime Team as part of Operation Lightning. The dedicated task force was established to make the county's roads safer by tackling the 'fatal four' - using a phone while driving, drink-driving, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.

The man was taken into custody where police say he was subject to a breathalyser test, registering four times over the legal alcohol limit.

Thankfully, nobody was injured as a result of his dangerous actions.

A force spokesperson said: "This car crashed on the M6 just south of J11 before the driver then decided to drive the wrong way northbound, crashing head-on with an HGV.

"Thankfully, there was no serious injury. However, the driver blew 110 in a breathalyser test at custody around 4 hours after the collision. The legal limit in the UK for alcohol while driving is 35.

They will now have a day in court to explain their actions."

Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it's FREE[2]

References

1. ^ Staffordshire Police (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
2. ^ Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it's FREE (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)