First drug driving arrest in Flintshire after a woman is struck by a car in Buckley

North Wales Police have made their first arrest in Flintshire under new drug driving legislation that came into force at the beginning of March.

Shortly after midday on Monday March 16 police were called to a road traffic collision on Brunswick Road in Buckley whereby an elderly woman was hit by a vehicle.

Officers attended and tested the 38-year-old driver using the new drug-testing equipment.

He was then arrested on suspicion of drug driving and taken to police custody for further tests.

He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries. 

The woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The new legislation came into force on Monday March 4 and now sets legal limits for how much of a substance – both illegal drugs and prescription medications motorists can have in their system whilst driving.

A new device, which has also been approved, now allows officers to test at the roadside using a swab from inside the driver’s mouth, to see if a motorist has taken cannabis or cocaine.

Sergeant Nicky Collins from the Roads Policing Unit said:

“Whilst these are the first arrests to be made under the new law in Flintshire and Denbighshire they won’t be our last. Our message remains the same – don’t get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs, it’s not worth the risk.”

“We would urge anyone who thinks they know someone who is driving after taking drugs to contact us immediately.”

The first arrest made using the new legislation was made in Holyhead on Anglesey last week.

Anybody who may have information relating to drug drivers should contact North Wales Police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111