Dangerous driver banned after almost causing a head-on collision

On 9^th September 2023, the driver of a silver Land Rover was seen dangerously overtaking two cars as he exited a roundabout on the A483 near Four Crosses, Powys. The driver accelerated up to approximately 82mph whilst three vehicles approached from the opposite direction.

The driver had the opportunity to abandon the overtake but continued towards the oncoming traffic. Dashcam footage inside one of the vehicles showed the oncoming traffic moving to avoid a head-on collision and potential fatal or life changing injuries.

This dashcam footage was sent to GoSafe through Operation Snap. The dedicated Op Snap teams can investigate driving offences from dangerous driving, careless driving, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seat belt, driving through a red light or over solid white lines, and not being in proper control of a vehicle.

GoSafe started an investigation in to the incident and identified the driver as 70-year-old Stephen Hayward, from Great Barrow, Chester. Hayward was interviewed by a GoSafe officer and admitted to being the driver. Hayward’s solicitor insisted that the manoeuvre was not dangerous and that he’d only committed the lesser offence of Careless Driving.

The incident was referred straight to court and was heard at Welshpool Magistrates Court on Monday 22^nd July 2024. Hayward was found guilty of dangerous driving. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pass an extended driving test following the ban. He must also pay a £969 fine, £775 court costs and a £398 victim surcharge.