They could have taken away his HGV licence but criticised Renault Clio driver Rona Williams, for an "ill advised" manoeuvre and undertaking in front of his 44-tonne tanker. Speaking after the incident on the A1(M) near Wetherby, West Yorks, last January, vet Mrs Williams told how she wrestled with the steering wheel, yanked on her handbrake, beeped her horn and flashed her lights. But John ploughed on - unaware she was trapped beneath his cab. Finally, she dialled 999, yelling, "I'm going to die, I'm going to die!".
Alerted by another driver, John, from Clitheroe, Lancs, brought his lorry to a stop on the hard shoulder and only became aware of the Clio when he got out. He tried to free her but the door was jammed so he reversed his tanker to release the car and the shaken, but unhurt Mrs Williams.
John's employer, Cheshire-based Arclid Transport, initially allowed him to continue driving, but he was suspended on full pay in March and an investigation was launched when the YouTube clip came to light. Police decided to take no action against him.
North West Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell yesterday told Mr Tomlinson: "It is absolutely clear that you could not see the Clio as you were driving. I think what you did, in reversing to release the Clio, was of huge credit to you. You showed, in my view, coolness and a clear head. I feel it is entirely inappropriate for me to take away your licence."
Mr Tomlinson's solicitor Sean Joyce, quoting Mrs Williams' police statements, said she "was effectively performing an undertaking manoeuvre" and said his client was blameless. He added: "From his elevated position in a well insulated cab, he had no knowledge of the initial impact or the fact the Clio was being pushed along."
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