A TAXI driver who was found to be driving under the influence of drugs whilst engaged to transport children was arrested on Thursday (November 3.) 

The 41-year-old driver tested positive for cannabis after failing a roadside drugs swipe test in the Llanrug area.

At the time, he was collecting children to take them to a school in Bangor. He had not moved his vehicle due to being spoken to by police.

He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and has since been released on police bail pending the results of further tests.

The man was tested as part of a road safety operation in Gwynedd, carried out between North Wales Police and the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, formally known as VOSA.

Testing took place in and around the Caernarfon area with officers checking school buses and taxis. Gwynedd County Council has been informed.

During the afternoon, police safety officers moved operation to the Dalar Hir weighbridge on Anglesey where wagons and light goods vehicles were stopped.

Officers collected fines totalling £2,600, offences ranged from speeding, overloaded vehicles, tachograph offences, defective tyres and lights and two PG9 Mechanical prohibitions were issued.

PC Nicholas Power from the North Wales Police Commercial Vehicle Unit said: “These operations will continue and we, once again, urge the motoring public to ensure their lights and tyres are in full working order before commencing their journey.

“With the nights now drawing in it is more important than ever to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.”

Further information regarding the joint working between North Wales Police and the DVSA is available via our website http://www.north-wales.police.uk/about-us/departments/commercial-vehicle-unit.aspx