THIS is the coach driver accused of falling asleep at the wheel of his vehicle on a Hampshire motorway.

Peter Huggett was charged with dangerous driving after his National Express coach, carrying 49 passengers, was involved in a terrifying accident on the M27 last summer.

The coach left the carriageway and ploughed through 100 metres of vegetation before Huggett regained control.

Court documents say: “He was on a scheduled journey between London and Poole when he is suspected to have fallen asleep at the wheel.

“The windscreen of the vehicle was damaged during the incident, sustaining numerous cracks across the glass.

“The 49 passengers were uninjured but were extremely shaken. The driver continued as far as Ringwood bus station, despite passengers telling him to stop.

“Police attended the bus station, where the driver was interviewed and reported. He claimed not to have fallen asleep at the wheel but to have lost control while trying to open his window because he was becoming hot and uncomfortable.”

Huggett was originally charged with driving without due care following the crash, which occurred between junctions two and one of the westbound M27 on August 28.

However, the allegation was changed to one of dangerous driving when he appeared at New Forest Magistrates’ Court in Lyndhurst yesterday.

Huggett pleaded not guilty and elected trial by jury at Southampton Crown Court.

The case was adjourned until March 12, when committal proceedings will take place.

Huggett, 54, of Green Road, Poole, was released on unconditional bail.