UPDATE: An Italian tourist’s holiday in Wales has turned into a financial nightmare after a hit-and-run incident left her with a staggering £1,800 bill. Maria Bandini, a 44-year-old estate agent from Lucca, Tuscany, was involved in the collision while waiting in traffic on the M4 near Newport on December 27 at approximately 5:30 PM.
Bandini was stationary in a rental Citroen C4 when a van driver crashed into the back of her vehicle and fled the scene. The accident occurred on the westbound stretch of the M4 between junction 24 (A449, Coldra) and junction 25A (A4042, Newport/Cwmbran). Following the incident, Bandini is now struggling with the financial repercussions because the rental company, Enterprise, is holding her responsible for the damage due to the unidentified driver’s departure.
Authorities have confirmed that they are currently investigating the incident. A spokesperson for Gwent Police stated, “We received a report of a road traffic collision on the M4 eastbound at junction 25, after a car was reportedly involved in a collision with another vehicle, which subsequently left the scene.” Police are conducting enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, to locate the van driver.
In an emotional appeal, Bandini expressed her frustration: “I am 100% not guilty of this accident. I was stationary at a safe distance from the car in front of me, and I do not understand why I have to pay for someone else’s fault.” This sentiment resonates deeply as she reflects on her love for Wales, a place she has visited frequently throughout her life.
The collision has severely impacted her holiday plans. After the crash, Bandini and her boyfriend, Alberto, were escorted off the motorway by police. Enterprise later informed her that they could not retrieve the van driver’s insurance details without the vehicle’s registration number, leaving her facing the hefty charge.
The van driver, described by Bandini as a white male in his 40s with short, light-colored hair and stubble, attempted to persuade her to move the car before fleeing the scene. She recalled, “He crashed into us and our airbags went off… The van driver was going quite fast and he didn’t realize we were queueing.”
In a statement, Enterprise acknowledged the situation but reiterated that Bandini remains liable for the excess costs until the third-party driver is identified. “We’ve been in close contact with the customer following this incident. Until a third party is identified, we’re unable to recover any costs for the damages,” a company spokeswoman said.
As the investigation continues, Bandini is urging anyone with information about the incident or the fleeing driver to come forward. If you can assist, please email [email protected].
This developing story highlights the urgent need for accountability and support for victims of road traffic incidents. As investigations are underway, the impact on Bandini’s holiday serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of travel.
