HGV driver disqualified after drug driving collision in Grays

Shortly before 5pm on 2 September 2025, we received reports of a single‑vehicle collision on the A1089 Dock Approach Road, where a heavy goods vehicle had rolled over.

Officers attended the scene and spoke with the driver, who was being treated by ambulance colleagues at the time.

The driver passed a roadside breath test but failed a drug wipe, which returned a positive reading for cocaine. As a result, the driver was taken to hospital where a blood sample was obtained for further analysis.

Subsequent examination of the driver’s tachograph card showed that the vehicle was being driven at approximately 49mph at the time of the collision.
Analysis of the blood sample later confirmed the driver was almost five times over the legal limit for drugs.
Shane Houghton, 32, of Thames Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire, appeared at Southend‑on‑Sea Magistrates’ Court on 13 April, where he admitted drug driving.

He was sentenced to:

PC Ben Houghton-Clarke said:

Drug driving is extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk. Substance use impairs judgement, slows reaction times and significantly reduce a driver’s ability to control a vehicle - particularly something as large and heavy as an HGV.
Drivers under the influence are far more likely to be involved in serious or fatal collisions, and the consequences can be devastating not only for them, but for other road users who have done nothing wrong.

We will continue to take robust action against anyone who chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired. If you take drugs, do not drive - it really is that simple.
The matter has been referred to the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
Essex Police continues to carry out proactive patrols and enforcement activity across the county to identify and remove impaired drivers from the road network.
Anyone suspected of drug or drink driving can be reported to police.