A truck driver has been arrested on a drug driving offence after a police operation at a services on the A1(M) near Darlington.

On Wednesday (April 24), officers from North Yorkshire Roads Policing Group teamed up with Durham Police and partner agencies for a dangerous goods operation which was held at Newton Park Services on the A1(M).

As part of the operation, police arrested a driver of a dangerous goods (ADR) vehicle for drug driving.

The Northern Echo: A HGV that police used during the operationA HGV that police used during the operation (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving following a positive test for cannabis on a drug wipe. He was later released under investigation.

The operation aimed to make sure that commercial vehicles on our road network are as safe as they can be.

In total, 21 commercial vehicles were stopped and subject to a full inspection, with several reported and prosecuted for various road-related offences which included overweight vehicles and the incorrect use of a tachograph.

Traffic Constable David Minto from North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group said: "Today’s results show how critical these operations are in reducing the risk on the regions roads relating to both drivers and vehicles. 

The Northern Echo: Police stop a vehicle on the A1(M)Police stop a vehicle on the A1(M) (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

"Engagement and education is a key part of what we do, but when appropriate we will never flinch with enforcement if it is required to keep our roads and motorists safe.

"Together, with other police forces and our partners, we will continue to be relentless in our approach to make our roads safer for everyone to use."

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Inspector Mick Todd, of Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, added: “Far too often, we’ve seen the devastation caused by distracted drivers using a mobile phone instead of concentrating on their driving.

“Putting your phone away and putting on your seatbelt only takes a matter of seconds to do. There is simply no excuse not to.

“We are determined to change people’s behaviour in order to reduce harm on our roads, and this operation is just one part of that.”