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
2 comments:
About time! As I have always said it was the drink drivers the police always concentrated on, and rightly so I may add, but drugs are and can be just as bad.
About time! As I have always said it was the drink drivers the police always concentrated on, and rightly so I may add, but drugs are and can be just as bad.
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