A SCOOTER rider, who was on the motorway illegally, was "surprised" to find nowhere to U-turn.

West Yorkshire Police's Roads Policing Unit spotted a 50cc moped on the M62 eastbound carriageway, at around 2.55pm today.

The rider was heading towards junction 27 (Gildersome), but it is illegal to take a 50cc scooter on the motorway.

A photo taken by police showed the rider travelling in the first lane, next to a lorry.

Officers stopped the moped and discovered the rider was a provisional licence holder.

He stated he was surprised to find there was nowhere to make a U-turn on the motorway.

Police issued a traffic offence report, as a result.

The rider was also escorted off the motorway to safety.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "This 50cc scooter was found heading east on the M62 towards junction 27.

"The provisional licence holder stated he was surprised to find there was nowhere to make a U turn on the motorway.

"TORs issued and escorted off the network to safety."