Police have arrested a man near Burnham-On-Sea for driving under the influence of drugs.
The arrest took place on the Bristol Road near Pawlett just before midnight on Wednesday (February 3rd) when the 23 year-old man from Puriton was pulled over by a Roads Policing Officer due to a problem with their lights.
During his conversations with the driver, the officer became aware of a strong smell of cannabis and conducted a road-side drugs test as a result.
Sgt Mark Whitfield from the Tri-Force Roads Policing Unit said: “We now have the ability to test people for drug driving at the side of the road, in much the same way as we do for drink driving. The test involves a saliva swab and is really easy to administer.”
“On this occasion the drugs test proved positive, and the man was arrested and taken to Bridgwater Custody Centre where he was later bailed pending forensic analysis of a blood sample.”
Sgt Whitfield added: “I cannot stress enough that driving a vehicle whilst your reactions are dulled, either through alcohol or other substances, is completely irresponsible and puts not only the driver’s own life at risk but those of their passengers, other road users and pedestrians.”
“The message is clear – if you have consumed alcohol or drugs then don’t drive. Even some prescription medication can impair your driving, so it is worth thinking carefully before driving if you are taking medicine.”
Readers who suspect anyone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs should call the police on 999.
