Lorry crash driver arrested after failing drugs test

The crash happened on the A1(M) near Scotch Corner at about 06:15 BST on Wednesday

The driver of a lorry which overturned on the A1(M) in North Yorkshire was arrested after failing a roadside drugs test for cannabis, police have said.

The man, 42, from Merseyside, was freed by emergency crews following the crash on Wednesday on the northbound carriageway at junction 53, near Scotch Corner.

It happened at about 06:15 BST, according to North Yorkshire Police, with that section of road subsequently closed until about 13:45 BST.

The driver, who was uninjured, was later charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis and was bailed to appear at York Magistrates’ Court on 13 June.

He was also found in possession of cannabis and was given a cannabis warning, officers said.

The lorry’s trailer contained cardboard packaging, but fuel from the vehicle spilt onto the carriageway.

Diversions were in place while the vehicle was safely recovered and the spillage was cleared by highways officers, according to police.

Witnesses or motorists with dash-cam footage of the collision have been asked to contact the North Yorkshire force.

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