Car heads westbound in eastbound lanes of busy Ontario highway

A man faces impaired driving charges after police say a car was travelling dangerously against oncoming traffic on Highway 401 in southwestern Ontario early Saturday morning.

Elgin Ontario Provincial Police said several motorists reported that a vehicle was travelling westbound in the eastbound lanes of the busy highway at about 3:20 a.m. near Orford Road in Chatham-Kent, about 80 kilometres southwest of London.

“Shortly after the initial reports, police received an additional report indicating that the vehicle had turned around and was now travelling in the correct direction, eastbound on Highway 401,” police said in a news release issued Monday.

Police subsequently stopped a vehicle at about 3:35 a.m. near Graham Road, in West Elgin.

“While speaking to the driver, the investigating officer observed signs of intoxication,” police said.

A 36-year-old man from London is charged with operation while impaired (blood alcohol concentration 80 plus) and operation while impaired (alcohol and drugs).

The man’s licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for one week. He’ll appear in court on Oct. 7.

“The OPP would like to take this opportunity to thank the individuals who contacted police and reported this incident,” police said. “As a direct result, officers were able to safely locate the vehicle and take the driver into custody without incident.”

Anyone who spots a suspected impaired driver on the highway is asked to call 911 or OPP at 1-888-310-1122.