Police charge driver after alleged 300km pursuit down the M1 and back

A 20-year-old driver allegedly took NSW police on a pursuit from the Hunter Valley to suburban Sydney and back to Newcastle before he was arrested and charged on Monday.

The chase spanned two and a half hours and almost 300 kilometres along the M1 Motorway.

A highway patrol officer first attempted to stop a hatchback at 12.20pm on Monday on Wine Country Drive at North Rothbury.

After the driver allegedly did not stop as directed, police pursued the vehicle as it travelled south to the M1.

The pursuit continued along one of NSW's busiest highways until it was terminated near Sydney's Hills District.

The hatchback soon returned to the M1 and travelled north back towards Newcastle and was monitored by PolAir.

Road spikes were deployed by police and successfully stopped the hatchback near George Booth Drive at West Wallsend.

The 20-year-old Hunter Valley driver was arrested and taken to Toronto police station for questioning.

He was later charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.

He was refused bail and will appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Tuesday November 3.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.