Three drivers arrested in Cumbria in operation’s first hours

Arrests were made on April 1 as part of Operation Spotlight, which is targeting the "Fatal Four" driving offences - speeding, driving under the influence, not wearing a seatbelt, and driver distraction. Cumbria Police officers stopped a driver on the M6 at Hackthorpe who was found to be more than twice the legal drink-drive limit. The man, 47-year-old Carl Walsh of Milton Road, Weston-super-Mare, has been charged with drink-driving and is scheduled to appear at Carlisle Magistrates' Court later this month.

A second arrest involved a 50-year-old driver who tested positive for cannabis after being stopped by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). He was released under investigation pending further enquiries and test results. A third incident occurred near Burton, where police stopped a works van due to concerns over insecure materials being transported.

Cumbria Police said the 46-year-old driver also tested positive for cannabis and was released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out.

The police urged members of the public to plan ahead if they intend to drink during the Bank Holiday weekend to avoid risking lives on the road.