Man arrested after minibus driven at speed in Southport
Police say roadside drugs test was failed after vehicle stopped on Sefton Street
Police in Southport arrested a man after a minibus was seen being driven at speed through the town on Monday, 8th September.
The vehicle was stopped at around 2.40pm on Sefton Street, where officers detained the driver and carried out a roadside drugs test, which he failed. No other people were present in the minibus at the time.
A 50-year-old man from Southport was arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the legal limit. He was taken into custody before later being released under investigation.
Roads Policing Inspector Simon Wilson said:
“Anyone who gets in the driver’s seat after taking illicit or even prescription medication that affects their capacity is taking a huge risk.
“Not only do drug drivers risk being involved in a collision and coming to harm themselves, they are taking the safety of other road users – including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists - into their hands.
“And given we proactively patrol the roads of Merseyside 365 days a year to protect road users, they also risk the prospect of being arrested, getting a criminal record and facing justice for their behaviour.
“In this case, thankfully, the driver was stopped by officers before any harm could come to anyone.
“Drug driving is a selfish act that can cause devastation to families and heartbreak that will last a lifetime. If you know that someone has got behind the wheel while impaired through drink or drugs, do the right thing and report it to us.”
Anyone with information about this incident, or any cases of suspected drug driving, is urged to contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook quoting reference 25000744724. Information can also be reported via the Merseyside Police website or by calling 101.