An HGV driver that overturned his vehicle on the A1(M) and then failed a roadside drug test has been disqualified for 17 months.

Rafal Swiatek caused a seven-hour road closure after he flipped his white MAN truck on the road near Scotch Corner at around 6.15am on 15 May, spilling fuel onto the road.

Emergency services were called out to the damage-only collision on the northbound carriageway at junction 53 for the A66.

Firefighters and paramedics attended the scene to help free Swiatek from his cab.

Swiatek overturned his truck near Scotch Corner

Swiatek overturned his truck near Scotch Corner

Source: North Yorkshire police

The 42-year-old escaped without injury, but North Yorkshire police said he then failed a test at the roadside for cannabis.

He was also found in possession of the drug and was given a cannabis warning.

Diversions were in place until around 1.45pm while the vehicle was safely recovered, and the spillage cleared by highways officers.

The driver, from the Wirral, Merseyside, was arrested and later charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Swiatek appeared before York Magistrates’ Court on 13 June where he pleaded guilty for failing to provide a specimen.

He was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £200 and made to pay an £80 victim surcharge.

North Yorkshire police said if he agrees to complete a £250 driver course by 25 May next year, his road ban will be reduced by 17 weeks.

 

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