A school bus driver failed a roadside drug test after being stopped for speeding in a 20mph zone in Southport, Merseyside Police said.
Officers from the force's Roads Policing Unit noticed a minibus being driven at what they described as "excess speed" on Sefton Street at around 2:40 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8. The driver, a 50-year-old whose identity has not been released, was on his way to collect children from a local school when officers activated their blue lights and directed him to stop. Police said the vehicle was empty at the time.
After the vehicle was stopped, officers ordered the driver to take a roadside drugs test, which he failed, and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving above the specified limit of a controlled drug. He was taken into custody and has since been released under investigation while inquiries continue, the force said.
Roads Policing Inspector Simon Wilson said the driver was stopped "before any harm could come to anyone," and warned about the risks posed by drivers who take illicit drugs or prescription medication that affects their capacity. "Anyone who gets in the driver's seat after taking illicit or even prescription medication that affects their capacity is taking a huge risk," Wilson said.
Wilson added that drug-impaired driving not only endangers the driver but also other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and noted that Merseyside Police patrol the county's roads year-round. "They also risk the prospect of being arrested, getting a criminal record and facing justice for their behaviour," he said. "Drug driving is a selfish act that can cause devastation to families and heartbreak that will last a lifetime."
Police asked anyone with information about the incident to contact Merseyside Police, quoting reference number 25000744724. Members of the public can also report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the charity's website.
No further operational details were released, and the force did not provide information on whether charges will be brought pending the outcome of forensic and investigative processes.