HGV driver banned from driving after caught on M4 Swindon

On December 18 2025, a roads policing officer sighted John James Withey, 44, driving a HGV on the M4 between junction 16 and 15 near Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett. He was stopped at the DVSA Weighbridge at junction 15 and a roadside drugs wipe test was conducted which tested positive for cannabis. Withey, of Baukewell Court, Northampton, pleaded guilty to drug driving at Swindon Magistrates Court on April 16.

He was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined GBP750. He must also pay a GBP300 surcharge and GBP85 costs. PC Ben Greening said: "The samples showed that Withey was almost twice over the legal drug-drive limit.

"Driving while impaired is dangerous in any circumstance, but doing so at the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle significantly increases the risk to the public due to the size and weight of such vehicles.

"We will continue to take robust action against anyone who chooses to drive under the influence of drugs and put others in harm's way."