L-driver’s bird-brained escapade no parrot sketch

The learner driver was accompanied only by a parrot

The 55-year-old South Yorkshire woman has been ordered to attend court for allegedly driving without a proper licence and speeding.

The summons comes after she was pulled over by the police on the eastbound carriageway of the M62 near junction 22 Rishworth Moor on Sunday following concerns about her driving.

Officers from the roads policing unit discovered not only that she wasn’t fully qualified, but that her only companion was an African grey parrot.

They seized her 4x4 car and posted a picture of the bird on social networking site Twitter, along with the message: “Unfortunately his owner has a provisional licence and since parrots are not authorised to supervise learner drivers, her vehicle has been seized by us on the M62”.

Provisional drivers are only allowed to get behind the wheel while accompanied by qualified drivers and are not permitted to drive on motorways under any circumstances.

In addition, their supervising drivers must be over 21 years old and have held a licence for at least three years.

The woman, who is from Barnsley, was not arrested but has now been reported to court for summons, meaning that she has been notified of a forthcoming court hearing that she must attend.

Chief Inspector Mark Bownass, of West Yorkshire Police’s road policing unit, said: “The rules of the road exist for a very good reason and it is important to remember that if this lady had been in a crash or incident she would not have been covered by insurance as she was not licensed for the journey.

“Learner drivers should not be on the motorway at all and anyone who takes to other roads as a learner must be accompanied by a qualified driver, have a good understanding of the Highway Code and also make sure they are covered by the qualified drivers insurance policy.”

An AA spokesman said it was a saving grace that the bird was caged at the time, but added: “Driving while not properly qualified and without adequate supervision is potentially very dangerous.

“This is a very unusual case and the driver has paid the price, because her vehicle was confiscated thanks to what sounds like an excellent bit of policing.

“But it is always concerning to hear of instances like this.”