Woman arrested for driving wrong way on M5

Officers are appealing for information following a dramatic incident on Sunday, January 12, when a car was spotted driving the wrong way down the M5 near Exeter.

At around 7:50pm, multiple motorists contacted police after spotting a yellow vehicle driving on the northbound carriageway between Junction 28 (Cullompton) and Junction 30 (Exeter). Roads policing officers were swiftly deployed and managed to stop the vehicle at Junction 29.

A 36-year-old woman from Exeter was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs. She has been released on bail until March 13, 2025.

PC William Welch, who is involved in the investigation, said: “We understand how shocking this incident will have been to witness and would like to thank the members of the public who contacted 999 to alert us.”

The police are now appealing to any witnesses who have not yet come forward, particularly those with dashcam footage. Anyone with information is urged to contact 101, quoting log 677 12/1/25 or occurrence number 50250008824.