A DRIVER who used a shortcut to avoid roadworks told police he was nearly out of petrol.

Mark James nipped along Green Lane, Lower Broadheath, ignoring signs stating it was closed to through traffic during roadworks.

But locals had already complained to police about people taking the shortcut to avoid getting caught in the traffic tailbacks.

A constable on duty in Martley Road, spotted James coming out of Green Lane in his BMW and stopped him at about 5pm on Saturday, July 4.

“He said to the officer, I know why you’ve stopped me but I didn’t have any choice,” said Sallie Hewitt, prosecuting.

“He then pointed to his petrol gauge which was in the red.”

He was given a ticket but failed to pay it and a court summons was sent. However, James, of Oak Crescent, Malvern, failed to attend the hearing at Worcester Magistrates Court.

He was given three points on his licence, fined £125, ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.