A former teacher from West Sussex caused a car crash when she swerved across a busy dual carriageway.

Elisabeth Goemans, 76, cut across two lanes of traffic when she missed her turning on the A27 between Chichester and Fontwell.

Another car was written off when it crashed into a road sign and two bollards while trying to avoid a smash.

Worthing magistrates were told Goemans, from Graffham, near Petworth, was on her way to see a friend in Bognor when the accident happened on June 4.

Goemans, who walks with the aid of a walking stick, could not take her usual route because of roadworks and as she drove along the A27, she saw a sign to Bognor but could not cross because of heavy traffic.

Magistrates heard she pulled over and waited for the traffic to pass before attempting to reach the slip road.

Kirsten Sharp, prosecuting, said: "She cut straight across two lanes aiming for the slip road but unfortunately she misjudged it.

"Another car had to take evasive action and hit a road sign and two bollards."

Don Ramble, defending, said Goemans accepted it was a "silly manoeuvre" on a road where traffic travelled quickly.

He said she had had a clean driving record up to the accident and was reliant on her car to do her shopping and recycling for her neighbours.

Goemans, who was born in Holland, had already pleaded guilty to careless or inconsiderate driving by letter.

Magistrate Fred Rowley said: "The events of that day had a very serious consequence and one car was written off.

"We have to take into account other users and I am afraid you will be disqualified until you pass another driving test.

Goemans was ordered to resit her test and pay a £65 fine as well as £35 in costs.