Man blames lack of lighting after crashing car at Wilton Gate

Daniel Howell described the incident as "a heartbreaker" after crashing his £36,000 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR at around 10.15pm on Monday, October 23.

The 34-year-old, from Gillingham, said the area was "pitch black" since lighting outside Wilton Gate, Netherhampton Road, had been turned off and by the time he saw the roundabout it was too late to avoid.

"I have not driven this road for over two years. By the time the car went past and I had my full beam back on I saw it wasn't a straight bit of road anymore," he said.

Daniel Howell broke through Bovis Homes' advertising board. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Howell had been driving his sister and young nephew home from Salisbury District Hospital when the crash took place.

There are no warning signs on approach to the roundabout and it has a 60mph limit.

The airbag in Mr Howell's car had not gone off and he said he was travelling at "around 20 miles per hour" when he came crashing through the wooden sign.

None of the passengers suffered serious injuries.

The car was recovered from the development site. (Image: Newsquest)

An on-duty police officer found the car and conducted a roadside breath test on Mr Howell which came back negative.

Recovery of the car took place on Tuesday afternoon, October 24.

Bovis Homes, the Wilton Gate developer, has been approached for comment.