Driver of flipped A1(M) lorry arrested on suspicion of drug driving

The driver of an overturned HGV vehicle which caused major delays on a North Yorkshire road this morning has been charged with failing to provide a specimen after initially being arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

The lorry driver was arrested following a failed road-side drugs test for cannabis after flipping his vehicle on the A1(M), heading north near Junction 53 for the A66, at Scotch Corner. It happened at around 6.15am on Wednesday (May 15) morning.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed that it was a damage-only collision and nobody was hurt. The road had to be closed while fuel was cleared from the road surface following the crash but reopened at 1.45pm.

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Police have issued an appeal for dashcam footage and witnesses after a 42-year-old male was arrested and later charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He is due in court next month. A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Emergency services have been dealing with a damage-only collision involving an overturned lorry on the A1(M) near Scotch Corner.

"It happened on the north-bound carriageway at junction 53 for the A66 at around 6.15am today (Wednesday, May 15). Firefighters and paramedics attended to help free the driver from the cab of the white MAN lorry. He escaped without injury but failed a road-side drugs test for cannabis.

"The 42-year-old from the Wirral, Merseyside, was arrested and later charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He has been bailed to appear at York Magistrates' Court on June 13.

"The lorry’s trailer contained cardboard packaging, but fuel from the vehicle spilt onto the carriageway. Diversions were in place until around 1.45pm while the vehicle was safely recovered, and the spillage cleared by highways officers.

"Witnesses or motorists with dash-cam footage of the collision are asked to make a report by emailing peter.keenen@northyorkshire.police.uk. Or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Peter Keenen. Please quote reference number 12240085003 when providing details."

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