Instances of vehicles being driven in the wrong direction on England's motorways surged to nearly 900 in the past year, a 13% rise, alarming figures revealed.

Motoring groups, concerned by this rise in dangerous driving errors often attributed to excessive reliance on satnav devices, and also drunken drivers.

National Highways data disclosed that reports of "oncoming vehicles" on motorways reached 872 up to 19 June, 102 more than the prior year. This information stemmed from reports of wrong-way driving sent to National Highways' regional operations centres.

Jo Shiner, lead of the National Police Chiefs’ Council for road policing, emphasised the need for alertness while driving. "Minimise distractions and focus on safety signs and information," she urged.