Govt announces plans to tackle drug-driving

Date: 15/7/2013

Roads Minister Stephen Hammond has revealed plans to ensure it is easier to prosecute individuals who have taken drugs before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Back in January 2012 the Government revealed intentions to introduce a drug-driving offence that puts a limit on how much of a controlled drug a motorist can have in their body.
 
Now the consultation has been published, revealing which drugs are set to be included in the legislation as well as the limits imposed.
 
"Drug driving is a menace which devastates families and ruins lives. That is why we are proposing to take a zero tolerance approach with those who drive under the influence of illegal drugs and sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated," said Mr Hammond.
 
The report concluded that this move will reduce the time wasted by police, the expenses involved and prevent cases from being dropped by the courts because of the difficulties in proving that a motorist has been impaired by a drug.
 
The zero tolerance to illegal drugs will impact cannabis, MDMA (ecstasy), cocaine and ketamine, as well as a number of others.
 
Posted by Sarah Bailey
 
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