M4 HGV seized as 16-year-old escort driver leaves motorists stunned

Officers spoke with each of the drivers on Friday, finding that the first HGV driver had no tachograph card, was not displaying an operator's licence and was disqualified from driving.

The driver of the second HGV had no tax in place and was not displaying an operator's licence.

On top of this, the escort vehicle was being driven by a 16-year-old with no licence.

All three vehicles have been seized, all three drivers reported for prosecution, and the transport company will also be reported to the traffic commissioner for further investigation.

Here’s what you had to say on the matter.

Martin Darrall said: “I know a family like this doing the same. The lads were 13/14 driving artics on the road moving the caravans.

“Yes we know it’s illegal but what man wouldn’t say “ that’s my boy” with a proud look on face.

“My lad was driving a 4.2 Landcruiser at 13, forgive me for adding no more to that story.”

Kazza Fellows replied: “I worked with my father from the age of 14 and I jockied his 142 Scania bulker loaded up the M42 with him sitting in the passenger seat. An amazing experience that I shall never forget, at 18 I was running scotch.”

Paul Forster added: “Ok until there is a crash and they then then have no insurance. Great as kids driving stuff on private land but different on the road.”

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Urban.xplores said: “At least he’s trying to work most kids his age sat on Xbox!”

Wayne Currie said: “You can legally drive at 16 if he is on higher level of PIP and passed his test.”

Sara Fromant said: “Probably drives better than most on the M4.”

Maurice Barclay said: “Rather have him doing that than doing doughnuts in a city centre in a stolen car.”

Ian Birchall - Amor said: “Probably a better driver than most you see on the road as a HGV driver, probably more than capable tbh, yet a 16 year old can drive a tractor and fully laden tipping trailer or sileage trailer on a public road.”

George Geo said: “Finally, a 16-year-old with something other than a smartphone in his hands - a steering wheel.”

Jimmy Wyatt said: “Poor lad was only on work experience.”

Glynis Johnson said: “That’s madness!”

Nyasha Frank said: “At least he’s working.”

Martin Nolan said: “Lower the driving age to 16, limit driving hours to between 6am and 9pm with maximum one passenger for the first year or even two.

“It would make our kids more employable while keeping them off the roads late at night.”

Andrew Twell said: “I was driving a Scammell 8 wheel tipper in and out of London at 16 the day after my 16 birthday.”

CJ Metals said: “Was like that in the old days until government went daft.”

Andrew Clark said: “Probably more of a clue than most “old enough to have a license ” drivers, back in 90s it was established practice that us apprentices drove service van.”

John Plaister said: “Nice to see a hardworking 16 year old trying to make a living and doing what he loves, the trucking industry needs more dedicated individuals like this 100% hats off to him keep on trucking.”

John Armstrong said: “More than capable no doubt!”

Norman Smith said: “I was driving a 3 ton ex-army Bedford on the road at just over 15, but that was 1957.”

Nicholas Portch said: “If children can be actors on stage and tv. Why kids work elsewhere?”

Ryan Cummings said: “Wants to up his game, my grandad had me driving artics at 14 by 15 I was driving round and backing artics on to bays in Belgium.

“The kid will of been driving since he could touch pedals. There’s much bigger risks to the road and most have one of your little pink cards. find something else to talk about.”

Ed Nicol said: “Read the story for goodness sake, tells you he didn't have any licence, All the ifs and buts are irrelevant as he was driving unlicensed.”

Pauline Mann said: “Hope these vehicles are crushed or sold money to go to fund for people involved in accidents. How on earth do vehicles like that even travel on motorways?”