Drug driving HGV driver banned for three years
28-year-old Mark Waters was stopped by traffic police on the A31 and tested positive for cocaine.
Last updated 23rd Jul 2025
A drug-driving HGV driver's been banned from the roads for three years after being caught during a stop by traffic police in Dorset.
On Saturday 29th March, Mark Waters was spotted by officers driving an Iveco heavy goods vehicle along the A31 Ringwood Road in St Leonards while holding his mobile phone at his ear.
He also wasn't wearing a seatbelt and was stopped by the police. He tested positive for cocaine and was subsequently arrested.
28-year-old Waters of Thornton Crescent in Wilton in Wiltshire, appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Monday 7th July. He pleaded guilty to using a handheld mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle on a road, driving on a road whilst not wearing a seat belt and driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit.
His sentencing involved a three-year driving ban, a 12-month community order with 100 hours unpaid work, plus a £154 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.
Waters also had his HGV licence revoked for a further year on top of the three-year ban.
Police Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “This month, as part of a national campaign we are putting the spotlight on the biggest killers on the roads in Dorset, known as the fatal five."
“The fatal five includes drink and drug driving, excessive and inappropriate speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driver distractions such as using a mobile phone and dangerous or careless driving."
“The defendant in this case was committing three of the five fatal five offences, putting not only himself but other road users in serious danger. He also admitted a series of tachograph breaches – rules that are put in place to safeguard the driver and the public."
“Through our proactive enforcement activity, we were able to prevent a collision from occurring and ensured this motorist was taken off the roads."
“We want to remind everyone to always take the time to perform safe manoeuvres, do not get distracted by your mobile phone, keep within the speed limits, always wear a seatbelt and do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”