Road safety op targeting HGV’s and light goods vehicles carried out on Anglesey

A woman was arrested last night after failing a roadside drugs test whilst supervising a learner driver on Anglesey.

She was arrested following vehicle checks that were carried during a road safety operation at the Dalar Hir weighbridge on the A55 near Holyhead.

A total of 25 vehicles were stopped during last night’s operation which involved officers from the Roads Policing Unit, Commercial Vehicle Unit and the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

A learner driver who was in a van was brought into the weighbridge for the vehicle to be checked. She was being supervised by a female who was arrested after failing the roadside drugs test. The van also had defects.

The woman was arrested and later released under investigation pending the results of further tests.

14 lorry and van drivers were also breath and drug tested at the roadside but thankfully all came back negative. However officers uncovered one Hazchem offence and 14 tachograph offences.

One HGV was also clamped with the driver having to take a 24 hour break due to drivers’ hours offences.

Four VDR’s (Vehicle Defect Rectification notices) were issued to light goods vehicles due to defects on windscreens, mirrors, a defective handbrake and windscreen washers. This now means that the drivers must now get the defects fixed as soon as possible and provide suitable evidence within 14 days that they’ve been done.

PC Eifion Jones of the 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 essential that drivers are aware that it is their responsibility to ensure that the vehicle they are using is road legal before commencing a journey – this includes checking tyres and lights. Lorry drivers must also ensure they are taking the correct number of breaks.

“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. That means they're subject to the same rules of the road as if they were driving.

“We are committed to keeping the roads safe and we will continue to take action against those who commit offences on our roads.”

Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to be driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is urged to contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.