Thanks to government action, which is ensuring police
forces now have access to improved screening equipment to
test suspected drug drivers, motorists are now just as
likely to be convicted for driving under the influence of
drugs as they are for drunk driving.
A new law introduced in 2015 makes it illegal to drive
with certain drugs in the body above specified
limits, and includes 8 illegal drugs and 9
prescription drugs. If caught, drivers can lose their
licence for at least a year, be fined up to £5,000 or
even end up in prison.
2015 saw 1,442 motorists in the UK – about 4 a day -
convicted for offences including being in charge of,
attempting to drive, or causing death after exceeding the
legal drug limit.
Transport Minister said:
Driving under the influence of drugs has no place in
our society. It devastates families and ruins lives.
Our tough approach has taken dangerous drivers off our
roads and is stopping other crimes taking place.
With higher prosecutions and convictions, we are
delivering on our clear message that if you take drugs
and drive, you will face the consequences.
The
report shows
that of the drivers who underwent a preliminary drug
screening, approximately 94% were male and 64% were aged
between 16 and 29 years.
The research also shows these laws are disrupting wider
criminal activity as two-thirds of people caught
drug-driving have previously committed other offences.
Merseyside Police reported 21 arrests in March 2016 for
drug driving offences, the majority of whom were
criminally active in the recent past or were members of
organised criminal groups.
Justice Minister said:
Our message is that any driver who risk the lives of
others by taking the wheel under the influence of drugs
will be punished.
We’re using better technology to detect this reckless
behaviour, and our courts are punishing offenders in
record numbers.
Before the new law came into force, police would have to
gather evidence that the driver was impaired, which would
include carrying out tests or getting a medical opinion,
before being able to take a blood or urine sample at a
station.
Police forces now have access to improved screening
equipment to test suspected drug drivers for cannabis and
cocaine at the roadside. They are also able to test for
other drugs such as ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and
heroin at a police station with a blood test, even if a
driver passes the roadside check.
It makes it quicker to identify those driving under the
influence of drugs and helps the prosecution of drug
drivers.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing,
Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said:
Targeted legislation against drug driving in March 2015
has made it much easier for police to consistently
identify those driving under the influence of drugs.
This change in law has enabled us to prosecute
thousands more dangerous drivers who may have
previously escaped detection yet still presented a very
serious threat to other road users.
Far too many people still attempt to drive under the
influence of drugs. We are better prepared to catch
them than ever before and will ensure that they face
the full penalty of law.
