Driver sentenced for passenger drop off on the A27

A motorist who dropped off passengers on a live dual carriageway has been sentenced in court.

Michael Milnes stopped in lane one of the dual carriageway on the A27 at Falmer.

The manoeuvre caused an obstruction and nearly caused a collision. The 49-year-old was charged with driving without due care and attention.

Sussex Police’s Roads Policing Unit is publicising the result of the case to prevent others taking the same dangerous risks on the A27 at Falmer.

In particular, it can be a problem on home match days for Brighton and Hove Albion, but also for events at the American Express Stadium or at Stanmer Park.

Milnes, of Golden Avenue, East Preston, appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on October 10 and was found guilty of the charge.

The court was told that he was driving a silver Audi A6 and several passengers alighted from the vehicle onto the live dual carriageway on February 3 this year.

He was fined £692 and was ordered to pay £625 court costs and a £277 surcharge.

Five penalty points were added to his licence.

Investigating officer PC Jordan Mitchell from the Roads Policing Unit said: “Allowing passengers to alight on the A27 is extremely dangerous.

“The presence of pedestrians on the carriageway with live lanes of traffic puts all road users at risk.

“Milnes’ driving nearly caused a collision and fell below the standard of a safe and competent driver. Any motorists (including taxis) seen allowing their passengers to alight will be prosecuted.

“This is a particular concern on Brighton and Hove Albion match days and when there are events at Stanmer Park.

“This case demonstrates that courts take a dim view of these offences, and offenders will be punished accordingly.”