Police issue statement
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were called at 12.15pm after an incident on the M4 westbound near junction 18 this afternoon.
“It was reported that the driver failed to observe the hard closure in place for roadworks and their vehicle a short time later had left the carriageway.
“The driver then sought to leave the scene on foot.
“Efforts to locate the driver were carried out, supported by the National Police Air Service.
“A man has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and officers are taking him to hospital to be checked over.
“Vehicle recovery work will take place this afternoon.”