A tourist took a dangerous diversion when he accidentally drove along two 70mph dual carriageways on his 8mph mobility scooter.

The 62-year-old man was spotted by a number of drivers first on the A27 in Brighton and then on the A23 at Pyecombe.

It is understood the man, who was staying at a hotel in Brighton city centre, got lost near the city’s train station and inadvertently took a five-mile diversion. Motorists first spotted him on his mobility scooter on the A27 close to Patcham, Brighton, and then heading northbound in the direction of Gatwick.

Police raced to the scene and pulled him over as he tried to cross the A23, near Pyecombe, at 10.55am.

He was described as ‘very distressed’ but physically uninjured.

Yesterday a Sussex Police spokeswoman told The Argus that it was believed he had travelled along the road accidentally and that he had not intended to take that route.

A spokeswoman for the force said he would not be charged with any driving offence. Witnesses to the incident, many of whom called 999, said he was travelling along the side of the road and was not weaving in and out of traffic.

A Sussex Police officer who attended the incident said: “We received several calls about a male on a mobility scooter on the A27.

“A quick hunt located him, heading up the A23 near Pyecombe.

“He was somewhat cold and confused.

“He seems to have got lost around Brighton Station and ended up by the side of the dual carriageway.

“Fortunately we were been able to arrange a ride for him and his nearly dead scooter back into Brighton to thaw out.

“All’s well that ends well.”

Sarah Peck, who witnessed the man getting picked up as she travelled to Burgess Hill, said: “The man was sitting in his ‘vehicle’ speaking to a police officer. He looked confused and bewildered, but was being looked after.

“We only had a glimpse as we went past – and a slight chuckle as we could see he was OK. I’d have been worried about him if the police weren’t there.

“I’m so glad he had been stopped and was being helped, as it is not a nice place to find yourself lost on a mobility scooter – especially in the cold.”

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “Police received reports from several concerned drivers that a man on a mobility scooter has been spotted travelling along the A27, near Patcham in Brighton. “Road traffic officers came to his rescue at 11.05am as he was trying to cross the A23, north of the junction with the A27.

“Fortunately, the man was not injured but was nonetheless very distressed by finding himself lost on a busy road. Officers took him back to a hotel in Brighton where he was staying.

“Sussex Police would like to thank the drivers who called in to report their concerns for the man's safety.”