UK police forces could soon be prosecuting drivers for driving while drugged after the Government announced plans to introduce roadside testing technology and a new offence of driving under the influence of drugs.
New technology will allow UK police forces to test for a variety of banned substances including cannabis, cocaine, opiates and amphetamines (including ecstasy) at the roadside before taking suspected drug-drivers to the police station for a blood test.
Police already have the power to test for the presence of drugs, but are currently unable to do so at the roadside. Over the coming months experts from the Forensic Science Service will draw up details in conjunction with the Home Office to establish measures to identify drug-drivers.
Current estimates place the number of drivers using the roads with controlled drugs in their system to be anywhere between 5 and 10 per cent of road users. A recent survey conducted in Glasgow found 4.1 per cent of drivers tested positive for ecstasy and 3.1 per cent for cannabis use.
Countries including Italy, Romania, Croatia and Australia have already introduced roadside drug testing, but testing in the UK could still be several years away, according to Government officials.
It is believed the new law will also govern the use of prescription medication that could impair driving, with sleeping pills a key area of concern.
Police currently only have the power to conduct a standard sobriety test, previously used prior to the introduction of the breathalyser, when testing for suspected drug use.
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