An American travel writer who was criticised for videoing his car journey on the M6 in Cumbria said 'he goofed up.

Rick Steves is well-known for producing a travel guidebook series, a column and being involved in a public television and radio show.

The 64-year-old Californian shared the video of a car journey with his 108,000 Twitter followers.

It showed him driving in the middle-lane of the motorway as he gave a tour of his car.

In a statement on his Facebook page, he said: "A couple of days ago, I got swept up in the fun of being on a British motorway.

"A few of you pointed out the error of my ways: I shouldn’t have used my phone behind the wheel. You were right, and I took the post down."

He said he 'aspires to travel as a temporary local' and to 'always respect the customs and laws of the places I visit'

"But I completely goofed up on this one," he said.

"In the UK, the middle lane is for passing, not cruising - and now I know that. This experience taught me to do a little more homework on local traffic norms - and reminded me not to get so carried away with the joy of travel that I do something inconsiderate or unsafe.

"Because I believe that good citizenship extends beyond our own borders, I’ve contacted the local authorities with my apologies. I’ve learned from this mistake, and hopefully you can too. Keep on travelin’...with your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel."

A Cumbria Road Police spokesman said he is no longer in the country 'but was traced and spoken to by one of our officers.'

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “Driving whilst using a mobile phone is illegal and dangerous. Using a mobile phone causes the driver to be distracted and could easily lead to a serious collision.

People caught using their phone whilst driving can face a fine and six penalty point on their licence.

“Cumbria Constabulary has promoted campaigns including encouraging people to put their phone in the glove compartment.”