Motorists who climb behind the wheel under the influence of illegal drugs will soon be forced to undergo testing at police stations with the help of new scientific equipment.
Government ministers hope that "drugalysers" - which will be able to screen for an array of illegal substances, including cocaine and ecstasy - could be installed at every police station by 2012.
Forming part of the coalition’s clampdown on drug-driving, the new technology means officers will no longer have to wait for a doctor’s permission before obtaining a blood test for use in court. Currently, the time taken to obtain permission often allows any traces of drugs to leave a motorist’s system.
"This selfish minority (drug users) show a flagrant disregard, not only for their own lives, but for the safety of others and we are determined to tackle this menace. That is why we are taking urgent steps to make drug screening technology available as soon as possible,” said Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.
The first devices are due to be in place within months. By the end of September, the Home Office is expecting to issue manufacturers with any amendments before rolling the equipment out in police stations across the country.
Campaigners have welcomed the new technology as motorist’s drug levels are notoriously difficult to decipher. AA President Edmund King feels the “hidden problems of drugs and driving” will finally be tackled and drugalysers will “make police work easier and act as a deterrent” in the future.
In 2008, 56 fatal road accidents and 207 serious injuries were attributed to drug-driving. However, when motorists test positive for alcohol, drug analysis is rarely carried out.
"At last the technology has caught up with the political will and the public mood," added Professor Stephen Glaister, Director of the RAC Foundation.
Despite the government’s desire to challenge negligent drivers, it is still unclear whether a blanket ban for drug-driving will be introduced or a hierarchy similar to drink-driving.
If you are facing a motoring prosecution, contact our specialist motoring team at Stephensons for advice. Call 01616 966 229 or email Sean Joyce, Partner, saj@stephensons.co.uk.