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A303 Reopens After Overturned Lorry at Mere as Driver Is Arrested on Suspicion of Drink Driving

Traffic resumed once recovery crews certified the carriageway safe.

Overview

  • An articulated lorry carrying fruit and vegetables struck the nearside barrier and overturned east of Mere early on February 21, spilling diesel and blocking both lanes.
  • Wiltshire Police arrested a man on suspicion of drink driving, with no reported serious injuries after the driver was taken to hospital as a precaution and then placed in custody.
  • National Highways coordinated specialist recovery as crews treated the diesel spill, cleared debris and cargo, inspected the carriageway, and stabilised damaged roadside barriers for later repair.
  • The A303 fully reopened at about 3:25pm on February 21 after heavy-lift recovery and final safety checks, following hours of disruption and diversions via the A350 and B3081.
  • The incident followed a separate three‑vehicle crash on February 18 between Thruxton and the A338 that left a BMW driver in his 30s seriously injured and closed the road for several hours.