The Isle of Wight Observer published on 4th May, 1912 recounted a tale of reckless motoring – with the driver speeding along at up to 14mph! The magistrate dismissed his claim that he had done nothing wrong.

DANGER TO TROOPS – RECKLESS MOTORING.

The County Magistrates, at Newport, on Saturday, had before them a chauffeur named Frederick Parnell, of Ryde, who was summoned for driving a motor car to the common danger at Freshwater, on April 20th.

Lieutenant H. G. Thompson, of the 5th Battery, 2nd Wessex (Howitzer) Brigade, R.F.A., said that one in the afternoon of the date in question the Battery was returning to the Drill Hall at Freshwater from a route march. He was riding at the head of the Battery followed by a trumpeter, who was mounted.

Defendant in a motor car, overtook the battery, which drew into the extreme left of the road to allow him to pass. Defendant passed the guns and wagons and then suddenly without any warning wheeled round to the left, passing between the trumpeter’s horse and the first gun team. A collision was only averted by the lead driver, Corporal Roach, throwing off the horses. Had the

Corporal not acted promptly it was probable one or more of the horses would have been injured. Defendant was going at about 12 or 14 miles an hour at the time. Witness at once galloped after defendant and ultimately overtook him and ascertained his number, and gave information to the police.

Defendant said he was quite unaware that he was doing anything wrong in passing through troops. There was room for the car to get through and he was under the impression that the officer signalled him to go through. He was not going so fast as was stated, and it was not necessary for the horses to to be backed or wheeled round to give him some room.

Sir Algernon de Horsey (the Chairman), said it was intolerable that the lives of troops should be risked by the careless driving of motorists. Defendant would be fined £2 15s. including costs.