Van driver arrested for drug driving after flashing motorists to warn of speed check ahead
A van driver in Merseyside was arrested drug driving after attempting to warn other motorists of a police speed check, only to be caught by an unmarked patrol car.
Merseyside Roads Policing Unit revealed on social media that the driver of a transit van was seen flashing their headlights to alert oncoming vehicles to a speed enforcement site ahead. However, what they did not realise was that an unmarked roads policing unit (RPU) vehicle was directly in front of them.
The van was stopped, and the driver was subjected to a roadside drug test, which returned a positive result. The individual was then arrested for a drug-driving offence.
Addressing the incident, the police reiterated their position on speed enforcement, stating that if all motorists adhered to speed limits, enforcement would not be necessary. They highlighted that those who genuinely wanted to encourage safer driving would be slowing vehicles across the road network, not just where police checks were in place.
A Merseyside Roads Police spokesperson said on social media: “Driver of this transit van was seen flashing oncoming motorists to warn them of a speed check site up ahead. Unbeknown to them, there was an unmarked RPU car in front of them. Vehicle stopped, quick test and flashed up positive for drugs, driver now under arrest!”
The spokesperson added in a further post: “To answer a few questions! We would rather people drive to the speed limit, this doesn't happen, hence the reason for enforcement.
“If people were being a good citizen and slowing other motorists down, they would be doing this continually across the road network and not just conveniently at the location where a police officer/van was conducting speed checks.
“Speed is one of the major contributory factors of killed or seriously injured collisions (KSl) on our roads, this is why we continue to enforce the speed limit. If you don't like this, there's an easy solution, slow down and drive to the speed limit (or appropriate speed depending on conditions).
“Some of the drivers at this location were recorded at almost 60 in a 30, is this acceptable or should we rely on 'good citizens' to slow people down by flashing their lights?!?
“The driver of the van was arrested for drug driving offence.
“Thanks for all your engagement with this post and to those that are supporting what we do, thanks and appreciate the feedback. Making our roads safer is what we're all about and our hard work to do this will continue.”
