Preston Man Arrested on Suspicion of Drug-Driving on A595
A 31-year-old man from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after police stopped a car with an expired MOT on the A595.
Officers from Cumbria Constabulary’s Nuclear Estates Team noticed that the Vauxhall Astra’s MOT had expired four weeks earlier.
After stopping the vehicle, officers suspected that the driver may have been under the influence of cannabis.
The man was arrested and taken into police custody. He has since been released under investigation while officers await the results of blood tests.
Vauxhall Astra Stopped Over Expired MOT
The incident began when officers spotted the Vauxhall Astra travelling on the A595.
Checks reportedly showed that the car’s MOT had expired around four weeks before it was stopped.
Most vehicles must pass an MOT every year once they are more than three years old. Driving without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000, unless the vehicle is being driven directly to or from a pre-arranged test.
An expired MOT can also raise concerns about whether a vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.
Driver Suspected of Cannabis Use
During the stop, officers reportedly began to suspect that the driver was under the influence of cannabis.
The 31-year-old Preston man was subsequently arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.
Police have not announced the result of any roadside screening test or confirmed whether drugs were found inside the vehicle.
As the man has only been arrested, the suspected offence has not been proven and no charge has been announced.
Police Awaiting Blood-Test Results
The suspect has been released under investigation while police wait for the results of blood analysis.
Roadside drug tests can help officers determine whether a driver may have taken cannabis or cocaine. However, a laboratory blood test is normally required to establish whether the amount of a controlled drug exceeded the legal driving limit.
These results can take time to return. Police will use the findings, alongside the other available evidence, to decide whether any further action should be taken.
Being released under investigation does not mean the case has been closed. It means the person is no longer being held in custody while enquiries continue.
Penalties for Drug-Driving
Anyone convicted of drug-driving could receive:
- A minimum one-year driving ban
- An unlimited fine
- Up to six months in prison
- A criminal record
- An endorsement remaining on their driving licence for 11 years
The sentence will depend on the circumstances and whether any other offences were committed.
Police have not confirmed when the blood-test results in this case are expected to become available.
