By VANESSA CHIRCOP
vICTORIA Police Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe has urged relatives of elderly drivers to speak to them about their driving ability.
This follows an incident last weekend where an 80-year-old man was caught towing a caravan on the wrong side of the West Gate Freeway.
It is believed the man entered the freeway in the wrong direction at the Williamstown Rd, Spotswood off-ramp.
It is alleged the man travelled over the West Gate Bridge and through the Domain Tunnel toward Toorak Rd where he executed a U-turn and travelled back up the freeway where he was intercepted by police.
Inspector Paul Ross said police received several calls from drivers who witnessed the man driving against the traffic.
Police estimate the man was driving on the wrong side of the road for more than 10 kilometres.
Insp Ross admitted it was a surprising and unusual situation that could have ended a lot worse.
Mr Walshe said families and friends should speak to their elderly relatives and friends about their concerns.
“There are a number of older drivers whose abilities to maintain their skills have deteriorated – there the ones we’d like to see family and friends approach,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
