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Drivers were left stunned on Monday evening (June 30) after a man on a mobility scooter caused traffic chaos by following his satnav directly onto the busy A13 carriageway.
The man, believed to be confused and relying on GPS directions, was seen trundling along at just 3mph, complete with hazard lights flashing and crutches attached, as HGVs and cars sped past him on the fast-moving road.
Startled motorists quickly dialled 999, and emergency services already in the area—responding to a separate vehicle fire—intervened to prevent disaster. Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, based in Chadwell Heath, managed to bring the situation under control whilst dealing with a vehicle fire the officers had to break away and stop the confused pensioner
Footage from the scene shows the man calmly riding his mobility scooter along the A13, seemingly unaware of the danger he was in.
Police escorted the man safely off the carriageway and onto nearby local roads. He was uninjured, though visibly confused. No other injuries or collisions were reported.
As a precaution, the A13 was closed temporarily while the incident was dealt with.
A source for the Metropolitan Police said:
“At around 9:40pm, officers were alerted to a man on a mobility scooter travelling eastbound on the A13. The man was escorted to safety and advised. The road has since reopened.”
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Drivers are reminded that satnav systems can mislead vulnerable road users and to remain aware of their surroundings.
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