'Drug Driving' Being Highlighted By Roadside Kits

Police will soon be equipped with 'drugalysers' as part of a major clampdown on drug-driving.

It is believed that people getting behind the wheel after taking cannabis, cocaine or ecstasy is a widespread problem, but the offence is currently difficult to detect.


The fact only 253 people were prosecuted for drug-driving in 2008, compared with 73,000 for drink-driving, is thought to be down to the lack of an effective roadside test.

“Drug-drivers put the lives of responsible motorists at risk and we are determined to ensure the police have everything they need to tackle this menace”

That will soon change, as the Home Office is testing equipment that can detect traces of a whole range of illegal drugs in saliva samples, reports the Sunday Times.


It is thought some of the gadgets will be installed in police stations in the next few weeks, while trials of a handheld version for roadside use continue.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: 'Drug-drivers put the lives of responsible motorists at risk and we are determined to ensure the police have everything they need to tackle this menace.


'We have taken urgent action and intend drug-screening devices to be available for use in police stations this year, making it easier for offenders to be brought to justice.'


Roadside testing kits are already in use in Germany, where 34,500 people were prosecuted for drug-driving in 2008.

Article courtesy of Metro Newspaper and www.policeoracle.com

Drink And Drug Driving Campaign Begins

With hopes high for a long hot summer this year, drivers are being reminded to enjoy the long evenings, but not to drink and drive. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is launching its annual month long crack down on drunk drivers this week.

Police officers will be out in force during the campaign in a bid to crack down on those who think they can drink or take drugs and drive and get away with it.

ACPO lead on drink and drug driving Chief Constable Phil Gormley said:

"Every year forces successfully concentrate their resources on preventing and detecting drink and drug drivers across the UK.

“In 2009, 17% of people killed on our roads died in a collision involving a drink driver and nearly 12,000 were injured.”
"We will carry out roadside checks at all times of the day and night and on all types of road. This means that if you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there is a good chance you will be stopped and tested."

Last year just under 101,000 people were stopped and tested during the 30-day summer campaign with 5.6 percent testing positive or refusing a test.

Chief Constable Phil Gormley said:

"Summer is a time for socialising and having fun and this year will be no exception. Our message is clear, have fun, drink if you want to, but don't then get behind the wheel and drive. If you take that risk you will be caught."

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

"Drink and drug driving are serious offences and drivers should be in no doubt that if they are caught behind the wheel under the influence this summer they risk losing their licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.

"We are taking forward measures to make it easier for the police to tackle drink and drug driving and protect law abiding road users including plans for drug testing kits to help detect drug drivers and tightening the law on drink driving.

"The number of drink driving deaths has fallen by more than 75% since 1979. But drink and drug driving still kills hundreds of people, that is why we want to help the police take tough action to tackle these reckless drivers."

Article Courtesy of ACPO PRESS OFFICE & WWW.POLICEORACLE.COM