AN ARTIST who visited Oxford for an exhibition accidentally drove over a rising traffic bollard and was left with a £5,000 car repair bill and bruising on her ribs.

Susan Harrison was trying to find the International Art Show at Oxford Town Hall, in St Aldate’s, when she inadvertently drove over the rising bollard in Oriel Square, off High Street.

Mrs Harrison, 63, who lives in Nutley, Sussex, said: “I hit the steering wheel with my head and ribs, it was like having a crash.”

In a state of shock, still not realising what had happened, she reversed the car before calling the AA who sent a tow truck out to help.

Mrs Harrison bought her Jeep in America for $24,000 in 2007.

It is still in the garage now, following the accident on Friday, February 7, but she says the bill is already at £5,000 before repair work has finished.

Oxfordshire County Council said there are signs which clearly state “do not follow the vehicle in front”, but Mrs Harrison could claim for compensation.