A DRIVING instructor was left in shock after a car ploughed into his vehicle a day before he was due to give lessons to learners again.
John Higham, of Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge, has been working night shifts as a lorry driver for Warburton's since coronavirus rules meant it was not possible to work as a driving instructor.
But that restriction was lifted on Monday as part of the government's roadmap, with Mr Higham's diary booked up with learners eager to return to the roads.
On Sunday morning, he returned home from work shortly after 6am before having some breakfast and going to bed.
But at 7.45am he was abruptly woken up after hearing a loud noise.
Mr Higham, 56, said: "I heard a big bang outside and then I looked outside and saw what had happened
"It was a shock.
"Both cars were written off.
"I was hoping to go back to teaching lessons on Monday after four or five months but instead I found myself on the phone to insurance companies.
"I will have to wait until later in the week before I can give lessons.
"My diary is absolutely rammed full."
Mr Higham's car after the crash on Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that a man was arrested following the crash.
The force said a Skoda Fabia crashed into three parked cars and reported that the driver failed to stop at the scene.
A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs.
The Skoda Fabia that hit Mr Higham's learner car
A GMP spokeswoman said: "At 7.55am on Sunday, police were called to reports of a collision involving four vehicles on Blackburn Road, Bolton.
"Officers attended and established that a blue Skoda Fabia had collided with three parked vehicles on the road.
"The driver failed to stop at the scene.
"There were no injuries.
"A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
Mr Higham's car after the crash on Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge
If you have any information contact police on 0161 856 5737 quoting incident number 701 of April 11.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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