An HGV driver who drank whisky and then fell asleep at the wheel before colliding with the central reservation, has lost his licence.

Lauri Martel, 40, was arrested by police in a layby on the A1M northbound near Peterborough, after being breathalysed and found to be almost twice the legal drink drive limit. Officers were alerted by the public after Martel’s Scania lorry was seen swerving across the road on the morning of 11 May.

Inside the driver’s cab was a coffee mug containing whisky and coke, as well as an empty whisky and wine bottle which had been discarded from the cab window. In interview, Martel, of no fixed address, admitted having fallen asleep at the wheel which resulted in him swerving and also drinking about two whiskies that morning, totalling about six units.

He was charged with drink driving which he admitted at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court and was disqualified from driving for a year and four months, as well as being made to pay £755 in fines and costs.

Sergeant Sam Tucker, from Peterborough’s southern neighbourhood policing team, said: “Martel admitted having been drinking whisky on the morning he was arrested, but felt he was fit to drive. Alcohol and tiredness can be a lethal combination on the roads, and for someone who drives professionally there is absolutely no excuse for it.”