Learner driver supervisor fails roadside drugs test

A WOMAN supervising a learner driver was arrested after failing a roadside drugs test, police have said.

North Wales Police were carrying out vehicle checks at the Dalar Hir weighbridge on the A55 near Holyhead as part of a road safety operation when officers made the arrest.

The learner driver’s van was one of 25 vehicles stopped by the force’s roads policing unit, commercial vehicle unit and the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency on Wednesday.

The driver was being supervised by a woman who was arrested for failing the drugs test after reportedly testing positive for cocaine and cannabis.

She was later released under investigation pending the results of further tests.

Police also alleged that the van also had defects.

Fourteen lorry and van drivers were also breath and drug tested at the roadside but all came back negative. However officers uncovered one hazardous chemicals offence and 14 tachograph offences. One heavy goods vehicle was clamped, with the driver having to take a 24-hour break due to drivers’ hours offences.

Four VDRs (Vehicle Defect Rectification notices) were issued to light goods vehicles due to defects on windscreens, mirrors, a defective handbrake and windscreen washers.

PC Eifion Jones, of the force’s commercial vehicle unit, said: “These operations are carried out to help keep our roads safe – and to stop drivers from using vehicles which are dangerous.

“It is reassuring that none of the drivers stopped failed their breath or roadside drugs test. However, it’s disappointing that a woman who was supervising a learner driver was arrested after testing positive for both cannabis and cocaine.

“Anyone supervising a learner driver is considered to be in control of the vehicle as far as the law is concerned.”