Driver who slept on motorway is cleared

A JUDGE ruled that it was legal for a motorist to stop and sleep on a motorway hard shoulder after hearing an appeal against a police fixed penalty conviction yesterday.

Chris Timms, 37, an antiques dealer, successfully appealed at Guildford Crown Court, Surrey, and was awarded costs by Judge Peter Slot.

Dr Timms was given a pounds 16 fixed penalty ticket after being found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle on the M25 in April this year.

He did not pay the fine but instead appeared before magistrates at Woking, Surrey, who increased it to pounds 60.

Dr Timms, who lives in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, decided to appeal to a higher court.

After the hearing Dr Timms described Judge Slot as 'a very understanding man'.

An Automobile Association spokesman said that although the organisation could not comment on individual cases, it warned drivers never to sleep on motorway hard shoulders. 'One in eight motorway deaths are the result of hard shoulder accidents.'