A 50-year-old school bus driver failed a roadside drugs test after being stopped for speeding in a 20mph zone in Southport while on his way to pick up children, Merseyside Police said.
Officers from the force's Roads Policing Unit saw the minibus being driven at what they described as "excess speed" along Sefton Street at about 2:40 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8. The driver was signalled to pull over with blue lights, given a roadside drugs test which he failed, and was arrested on suspicion of driving above the specified limit of a controlled drug, police said. The vehicle was empty at the time.
The man was taken into custody and has since been released under investigation, the force added. Roads Policing Inspector Simon Wilson said officers stopped the driver "before any harm could come to anyone," and warned that people who drive after taking illicit or prescription medication that affects their capacity are 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," Inspector Wilson said. He added that those who drive while impaired "risk the prospect of being arrested, getting a criminal record and facing justice for their behaviour." He described drug driving as "a selfish act that can cause devastation to families and heartbreak that will last a lifetime."
Merseyside Police said it proactively patrols local roads "365 days a year" and urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the force, quoting reference number 25000744724. The force also directed members of the public to report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.
The case will be subject to further investigation. Police statements did not identify the driver or the school involved. No injuries or collisions were reported in connection with the stop.