BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat has today released data on drug driving arrests since new drug driving laws came into effect in March 2015. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has said the wide regional variation in arrests point towards a “worrying” pattern of enforcement across England and Wales. Commenting on today’s new figures, Jason Wakeford, spokesman for Brake, the road safety charity, said: “Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and totally irresponsible. The law in England and Wales, which campaigners including Brake helped bring about, has gone a long way to help tackle the problem but more needs to be done.”
“The Government must make traffic policing a greater national priority, giving the police more resources to deal with drug driving throughout the year. More approved testing devices are also desperately needed; just two of the drugs listed as illegal under the law – cannabis and cocaine – can be tested for at the roadside. An approved kit to detect ecstasy/MDMA should be made a priority.”
“Brake welcomes plans by the Scottish Government for new drug driving laws in 2019 and we urge Northern Ireland to follow suit as soon as possible. Those who drive in the UK under the influence of drugs have to get the message that they will be caught and face tough penalties.”
