Driver of 44-tonne lorry ‘three times over drink limit’

The 52-year-old woman was allegedly three times over the legal limit.

15th Jan 2021

A driver of a 44-tonne lorry has been charged with drink-driving after police stopped her in Ayrshire.

Police stopped the articulated HGV around 6.40am on Friday after reports that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

The 52-year-old woman is alleged to have provided a positive roadside breath test and was arrested on Long Drive, Irvine.

She was taken to Saltcoats Police Station and was allegedly found to be three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

The woman has been released and the circumstances of the incident have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal. She is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Sergeant Ian Thornton said: “The dangers of drink-driving are well known, however, when someone behind the wheel of an articulated lorry is under the influence alcohol, the potential for this to have serious injury or fatal consequences intensifies.

“Stopping drink-driving does rely on information provided to us from the public, and I would like to thank everyone who reports concerning driver behaviour to us.

“Our recent festive drink and drug-drive campaign resulted in over 500 motorists being reported for drink drug-drive offences, 28 of these the morning after drinking.

“Our message remains clear; we will continue to take action against those who put themselves and others at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol.”