A heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver was caught driving while intoxicated on the M6 in Staffordshire, with a roadside test revealing he was twice the legal alcohol limit. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, when Staffordshire Police received multiple calls from motorists reporting erratic driving between junctions 13 and 14 near Stafford.
Vehicle stopped at Stafford Services
The lorry was intercepted at Stafford Services, where officers conducted a breathalyzer test. The driver recorded 73 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35 micrograms. Police confirmed the driver was taken into custody.
Staffordshire Road Crime Team posted on X: “Big thank you to the members of the public travelling M6 J13 to J14 for calling us in relation to this HGV. We stopped it at Stafford services and found the driver to be drunk. Blew 73 roadside. Legal limit is 35. Driver taken to custody. Don’t drink and drive.”
Public vigilance praised
The police force emphasized the importance of public reporting in preventing potential disasters. Driving an HGV under the influence poses a significant risk due to the vehicle’s size and weight, which can cause severe damage in a crash. No injuries were reported from the incident.
This arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat drink driving on UK motorways. In 2025, over 6,000 drivers were convicted of drink driving in the West Midlands alone, according to official figures. The driver is expected to face charges and a potential ban from driving.
