11-04-2025
Three arrested in Cumbria Police crackdown on drug driving
Three people have been arrested as part of a new police crackdown on drug driving.
On Wednesday, April 9, an unmarked police vehicle spotted a driver on his mobile phone, entering the M6.
He was spotted driving erratically, including swerving onto the hard shoulder.
He was stopped between junctions 42 and 43 and arrested after failing a drug wipe for cannabis. He also received a Traffic Offence Report for being on his mobile phone – putting him on nine penalty points.
He was released under investigation to allow time for blood test results.
Also on Wednesday morning, officers stopped a Ford Fiesta in Bolton Street in Workington.
The driver failed a drugs wipe and was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
He was released under investigation to allow time for blood test results.
On April 10, officers were in Keswick when they stopped the driver of a Mini on suspicion that it was being driven without insurance.
Officers also conducted a roadside drugs wipe, which the driver failed for cocaine.
The driver, aged 19, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and driving without insurance. He was released under investigation to allow time for blood test results.
Operation Spotlight is running throughout April, with Cumbria Police carrying out a combination of enforcement activity, as well as engagement and educational work aimed at raising awareness of the most common dangerous road behaviours - the Fatal Four.
Speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt and driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs make up the Fatal Four.
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Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: 'It's absolutely unacceptable to drive dangerously.
'The Fatal Four are the most common causes of deaths on our roads so we all need to take responsibility around how we drive and ensure we are driving safely and to the conditions of the roads.
'I'm really pleased to see Cumbria Police shining a spotlight on the Fatal Four and holding motorists to account for not only endangering themselves but also other innocent road users.'