Introduction of drugalysers 'is long overdue'

Date: 6/8/2010

The government's announcement that police could be using drug testing kits on drivers within months has been welcomed by road safety charity Brake.

But Julie Townsend, Campaigns Director at the organisation, added more needs to be done to crack down on drug-driving.

"In other countries, screening devices are used at the roadside to catch drug-drivers; we need to be moving urgently towards roadside screening in the UK," she said.

Ms Townsend continued it should be made an offence to drive with illegal substances in one's body and roadside enforcement needs to be stepped up.

She claimed these steps are "vital" to eradicating drug-driving.

The government has declared drugalysers will be introduced within months and all police stations could have one by 2012.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning commented it is crucial officers have the tools they need to deal with drivers under the influence of illegal substances and steps are being taken to introduce drug screening as soon as possible.

Posted by Sarah Bailey