Five of Britain's most haunting motoring stories
Phantom Hitchhikers, Ghost Cars & The Stories Insurers Won’t Ignore
There is a wealth of folklore associated with Britain's roads. When you drive late enough, along the right stretch of tarmac, you'll hear tales of ghost hitchhikers, ghostly vehicles, and figures that vanish into thin air.
Here are five of the most famous spectral road users you might want to avoid this Halloween.
1. The Rotherhithe Tunnel Ghost (London)
In 1908, the Rotherhithe Tunnel opened beneath the Thames and was a marvel of its time. There is still a sense of claustrophobia when driving: narrow, echoing, and filled with fumes.
For decades, drivers have reported a sudden figure in their headlights... what appears to be a pale man wearing oil-stained overalls.
According to some, he was killed by a lorry in the 1960s, while others believe he was a motorcyclist. His fate is relived endlessly by the living regardless of how he died.
There are drivers who brake, swerve, and curse on the road, but when they look back, it is empty.
2. The Phantom Hitchhiker of Blue Bell Hill (Kent)
One of Britain's most famous spectral travellers lives on Blue Bell Hill near Maidstone. Following a 1965 crash that killed three young women, drivers have reported picking up a beautiful, silent hitchhiker in a white dress.
After accepting a ride, she directs the driver a short distance before disappearing from the back seat.
Others see her dart into the road, only for her to dissolve into thin air when struck. In police files, witness statements abound, but no answers are found.
3. The Phantom Coach of the A38 (Somerset)
The past and present collide mystically on the A38 near Wellington. Horse-drawn coaches have reportedly been seen galloping across carriageways at night, their hooves galloping and their lamps flickering.
The vision is so solid that drivers swerve to avoid collision. The route is said to have been traveled by highwaymen executed in the 17th century, whose spirits were cursed to ride for eternity.
One of the most enduring road legends in the South West is the ghostly coach.
4. The Ghost Lorry of the Highlands (Scotland)
Despite being Scotland's longest road, many say it's the most haunted. There are many stories about ghosts and spectral ladies, but one stands out: the ghost lorry.
Since the 1950s, motorists have described an enormous articulated lorry bearing down on them at high speed, headlights blazing, horn blaring. Suddenly, it vanishes, leaving the driver clutching the steering wheel.
The story has been attributed to a spate of lorry crashes after World War II.
5. The Stockbridge Bypass Children (Derbyshire)
During construction of the Stockbridge Bypass in the 1980s, workers reported hearing children's laughter at night.
Small figures appeared to dart between machinery and piling stones as if at play. There have been numerous reports of children running across the dual carriageway only to disappear under the glare of headlights since the road opened.
According to locals, the road was built over ancient burial grounds, disturbing something best left alone.
Maybe it's best to stay inside this Halloween, as our claims team might not think the report would read 'swerved to avoid a ghost...'
