CAR mechanic Scott Chisholm was banned from driving for a year after he crashed his car into the arches at the top of Ivy Lane, in Chippenham.

Chisholm, 20, of Hungerdown Lane, Chippenham, pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving, when he appeared before North Wiltshire Magistrates in Chippenham on Monday.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, said police discovered a black Peugeot 205 had collided with the viaduct at 10.15pm on July 18.

Chisholm had been driving at around 50mph from the Bridge Centre roundabout when he hit a dip in the road and crashed into the bridge.

Michael Jeary, defending, said the matter was a serious lapse of behaviour. "Hopefully at the end of the day he will be a responsible driver and not a danger to himself and the public," he said.

Chisholm was fined £280, with £55 costs. He will have to pass an extended driving test before he is allowed on the road again.