Metro halted after car hits tracks

A motorist brought the Midland Metro to a standstill today after driving on to tracks in Wolverhampton and smashing through a barrier.

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The 44-year-old Mercedes driver told the Express & Star: "The car is in a bad way but I am fine."

Tram services were out of action for 40 minutes following the smash at the Metro's Royal stop, near to the former Royal Hospital building, at 9.30am.

Passengers already on the line were forced to get off at The Crescent in Bilston.

The driver was travelling out of Wolverhampton along Bilston Road and ended up on the tram tracks after turning right in a bid to get on to Steelhouse Lane.

The motorist, who is from Codsall but did not wish to be named, said: "I was just turning the corner when I lost control and went across the tracks and smashed into the barrier.

The car is in a bad way but I am fine."

Firefighters, paramedics and police were called to the scene. The trams were up and running again at 10.10am.

British Transport Police are now investigating the incident. Spokesman Brian Price said: "The driver was not injured. He tested negative when given a roadside breath test.

BTP investigation is under way to establish what caused the crash."