A QUICK-THINKING traffic officer saved the life of a Labrador lying in front of 70mph traffic on the motorway near Swindon.

National Highways received several reports of a dog on the loose somewhere on the westbound carriageway of the M4 near Membury Services at Junction 14 over the weekend.

Employee David England used a rolling roadblock to temporarily stop traffic until he could find and safely move the animal off the busy main road.

He found Diesel lying in lane three, a little scared but otherwise okay, at around 9pm on Saturday.

David helped the lost Lab off the motorway and into his car, then pulled into a safe area to released the queuing traffic and use the contact details on the escaped pet's collar to call its owner. 

David said: “Diesel was so happy to see a friendly face he jumped into the car after a kiss and a hug.  

“It was obvious he was pleased to see me. We don’t always get many happy endings when it comes to animals and motorways, but thankfully this was one case that ended well.” 

Diesel's relieved owner Gary Middleton said: "We were delighted, obviously, to get Diesel back but were shocked at the fact that he'd got on to the motorway!

"Our biggest concern, after the event, was what could have happened, causing a major accident or even worse, endangering human life.  

“Very luckily for ourselves and Diesel, somebody up top must have been looking out for him."

Despite Gary fearing the worst, the situation ended well for all involved.

He added: “Dave was brilliant. When we got Diesel back, I was expecting a telling off but he pointed out that he was okay, nobody was hurt and all was good.

"His biggest concern was that he now had dog hair on his seats and could he borrow our vacuum cleaner before handing the vehicle over to the night shift.” 

National Highways' on-road team manager Richard Wadsworth added: “All our traffic officers are true professionals, and all their decisions are made with safety and customer service at heart.

"I am very pleased to say Diesel was safely reunited with his owners, and they were delighted to have him back.”  

Anyone who spots an animal loose on the motorways and busy A-roads, they should call National Highways on 0300 123 5000 or ring the police.