Essex cyclist fighting for life – driver arrested on suspicion of drug driving

A cyclist is in critical condition and the driver has been arrested following a collision in Loughton in Essex, reports the London Evening Standard. The 28-year-old driver from ‪Waltham Abbey is suspected of drug driving and has been bailed until July 21 pending further enquiries.

Police were called out to a collision between a cyclist and a silver Vauxhall Astra at the junction of Colebrook Lane and Castell Road at around 9pm on Saturday May 30. The 51-year-old cyclist was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital and was later referred to the Royal London Hospital with a serious head injury. His condition was described as ‘critical but stable’.

Police closed the road for around five hours so that officers could carry out an initial forensic investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at the Chigwell Road Policing Unit on 101

Essex Police yesterday launched their summer anti-drink and drug driving campaign which will see officers using new drug testing kits as a result of new legislation introduced earlier this year.

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager, said:

"My officers work tirelessly 24 hours a day 365 days a year to keep the roads of ‪‎Essex safe but we need your help. We are asking residents to take some responsibility for the safety of their community and tell us about people who put the lives of innocent road users at risk by driving drunk or high on drugs."