Drug-driving arrest in Penrith amid Christmas police crackdown

The arrest came during a patrol on the evening of December 15 in Penrith.

The Roads Policing Unit pulled over a car due to a faulty headlight, and following a conversation with the driver, the police suspected drug use.

The motorist failed a drug swipe which showed cannabis was in their system which led to the arrest of the driver who was charged for drug driving.

The arrest came as part of a concerted effort by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Peter McCall, and Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (DPFCC), Mike Johnson, who joined patrols alongside the Roads Policing Unit to ensure Cumbria’s roads are safe this Christmas season.

PFCC Peter McCall said: "The Police patrol our roads year-round, but the festive period is an exceptionally busy time of year.

"The Police are doing everything in their power to keep the roads safe, but it is a community effort.

"Please do not drive in a dangerous manner, no one is above the law, and by breaking these laws you not only place your own life at risk but the lives of so many others.

"Furthermore, road users need to be aware that Cumbria police are very proactively policing our roads and they do and will deal with any and all crimes appropriately in order to keep our roads and neighbourhoods safe for everyone.

"Please drive sensibly and get home safely this Christmas."

DPFCC Mike Johnson at Penrith Checkpoint. (Image: Cumbria Police)

On Tuesday, 19 December, PFCC Peter McCall's patrol went out in the Carlisle area, targeting the fatal four on local roads: drink/drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding and distracted driving, including the use of a mobile phone.

A series of fines were issued, including a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt and another for using a mobile while driving.

The patrols are not only in place to spot violations but to also actively target problem behaviours, with the aim of reducing offences and increasing road safety.

Mike Johnson said: "The checkpoints are a fantastic way for the police to check the safety of the vehicles on our roads as well as check on the driver and how safe it is for them to drive.

"Many of the drivers that were pulled over as part of the checkpoint later in the evening were designated drivers, most of whom were picking up their partners from a Christmas night out, so I was really pleased to see that most partygoers had planned a safe way home.

"This is exactly what we want to see in the county – everyone taking responsibility for their actions and making sure that they aren’t risking the lives of others.

"I would urge anyone who is planning to go out over Christmas and New Year to plan ahead and have a designated driver or a taxi booked to get home.

"We all want to enjoy ourselves this time of year, but let’s all do it sensibly and keep Cumbria’s roads safe for everyone."