An incident involving an HGV driver resulted in a significant road closure and legal repercussions.
- The driver overturned his truck on the A1(M) near Scotch Corner, causing traffic disruption.
- Emergency services were deployed to the scene to manage the accident and assist the driver.
- The driver failed a roadside drug test for cannabis and faced additional charges.
- The court imposed a 17-month driving ban following the driver’s guilty plea.
An incident involving a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) led to a prolonged road closure on the A1(M) near Scotch Corner. Around 6.15 am, the driver, Rafal Swiatek, overturned his white MAN truck, spilling fuel across the northbound carriageway. This accident necessitated the immediate intervention of emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, to manage the situation and ensure the safety of the driver and the public.
The impact of the overturning was substantial, with the road closed for approximately seven hours. Diversions were set up while the affected vehicle was carefully recovered and the fuel spillage was efficiently cleared by highways officers. Despite the severity of the incident, Swiatek was fortunate to escape without any physical injuries.
North Yorkshire police attended the scene and conducted a roadside drug test, which Swiatek failed, testing positive for cannabis. Further investigations revealed his possession of the drug, leading to a formal warning being issued. Subsequently, Swiatek’s legal troubles escalated when he appeared in York Magistrates’ Court, facing charges related to his failure to provide a specimen for analysis.
During the court proceedings on 13 June, Swiatek pleaded guilty to the charge, leading to his disqualification from driving for a period of 17 months. Additionally, he received a £200 fine and an £80 victim surcharge. However, the court offered a potential reduction in his driving ban by 17 weeks, contingent on his completion of a £250 driver course by the following May.
This case highlights the serious consequences of driving under the influence of drugs, emphasising the legal and safety obligations of HGV operators.
