A861 crash driver was on wrong side of road

A MAN has lost his driving licence for two years after he caused an accident near the Corran Ferry by driving on the wrong side of the road.

Mark Thompson collided with Brian Cowley’s vehicle on March 8, 2014, on the A861.

Fort William Sheriff Court heard on Monday (February 27) that Thompson had driven up from Leeds on March 8 on business and had taken the ferry to Ardgour with the intention of heading to Mingary Castle. He was one of only three cars who had taken the crossing and was the only car to turn left.

Thompson recalled there was a line of traffic to the left of the carriage way waiting to board the ferry. This, combined with the fact when he usually disembarks a boat it means he is ‘back home in France’, caused a moment of confusion and lead Thompson to drive on the wrong side of the road.

The court heard Thompson drove approximately 150 metres. It was only on noticing the second ‘slow’ sign on the road was upside down that he realised his error.

Thompson tried to rectify his mistake but Mr Cowley’s car had come round the corner and there was a collision which left Thompson’s car in a ditch and knocked him unconscious.

Mr Cowley explained he was travelling with his wife and two dogs who were all injured and badly shaken. He sustained three broken bones in the accident. The 72-yearold said since the event he has recovered as well as can be expected for a man his age.

Thompson admitted full responsibility for the accident but said he had not set out that morning with the intention of crashing and deeply regretted it. Solicitor Stephen Kennedy explained Thompson’s work takes him all around Europe, that he is in demand and a ban would hinder what projects he could accept in the future. He asked the sheriff to take into consideration the short distance driven and Thompson’s explanation.

Sheriff Taylor said Thompson’s actions were dangerous and merited a more lengthy ban. ‘He appears not to have even noticed the first of the signs which would have provided an opportunity to correct his ways,’ he added.

As well as the two-year ban,