Drug-driver arrested during Operation Mountie session at Hawkhill Inclosure, Brockenhurst, as 16 others stopped for speeding

A New Forest driver was arrested during a campaign to educate motorists about the dangers of speeding in the national park.

The Operation Mountie session at Hawkhill Inclosure, Brockenhurst, was jointly run by police, the New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest Roads Awareness campaign group.

In two hours 16 drivers were stopped for exceeding the 40mph limit. Fines were given to five motorists whose speed exceeded 50mph – the highest being 60 – while others were given advice.

The driver of a van which had been towing a trailer was arrested after failing a drug wipe for cannabis and cocaine. Both vehicles were seized by police as the driver was not insured and had only a provisional licence. The number plates of the van and the trailer were also different.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said sticking to the speed limit was “even more important” at this time of year, due to the presence of stallions and foals.

They added: “We feel that it is important to stress that the majority of drivers did stick to the speed limit and for that we are very grateful.”