Drug-driving law set to be introduced in Queen's Speech

Drug-driving in England, Scotland and Wales could become a specific offence with a jail term and fine, under a new law expected in the Queen's Speech.

Police have to show driving has been impaired by drugs to prosecute.

But under the plans, drivers could face up to six months in jail for driving with certain controlled drugs in your body in excess of specified limits.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said legislation would give police powers to "remove this blight".

In the future, police will be equipped with handheld detection devices to test saliva at the roadside.

Offenders could face a fine of up to £5,000, a driving ban of at least 12 months as well as a prison term.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17975502

about time

agreed

I don't see any difference between Drink or Drug driving both are killers and both should be dealt with severely.

correct,APS but they didnt have a roadside test unit and it was not technically a crime on its own right,it was classed as driving under the influence and most got off if they passed the intoximeter,which is for alcohol

Agreed drink driving and drug driving is exactly the same..

long overdue.

We've had it here for quite a while on illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine. it's a damned good idea too IMO.. I'm not sure about prescription drugs here, I guess if the Police could prove someone was too impaired to drive safely they could prosecute.. I'm on an opioid based medication for pain relief, if I took my usual dose and drove I'd get stitched up for it as I'd be half stoned.. that's why I got rid of the car, so I wasn't tempted to hop in and go down to the shops for things like a bit of milk or somthing..

I think they should make the penalties a bit harsher though, IMHO it's the same as driving drunk if you're stoned, you're not only a danger to yourself, but everyone else on the road...

Good idea.

gotta agree ..

Oz introduced this into the law a few years ago with booze buses wityh the ability to test for drugs and cars as well pulling people over.

Damned booze buses, .. we've had them for about 7 or 8 years.. they do random places along with the patrols here, usually friday and saturday nights, but I've seen them out during the week here.. if it's christmas, they're out almost every night.. they test for drugs as well as booze too...

There all oover the place here as well , have been for years, where i lve there are bridges at both ends of my town, they sit just past them and just out of town wjere you cannot turn off and if you do there are traffic cars parked on those side roads, so there aint no where out.

Sounds right.. they do the same sort of things here, especially friday and saturday nights, or holiday times.. it's not uncommon to see 2 or 3 buses and 12 cars in 1 place, so whatever you do they have you...

APS wrote:

I don't see any difference between Drink or Drug driving both are killers and both should be dealt with severely.

I agree wholeheartedly. No one should endanger innocent people through selfish actions and this includes Speeding too.

The speedsters get done here too, I think the limit on the open road is 120 k/ph, anything higher than that and it's a loss of licence and a fine if you're caught.. so 121 k/ph means a 6 month loss of licence plus around $2000.00 fine.. anything too much higher and it's a 12 month loss of licence and a bigger fine.. more often than not the car is seized too, it doesn't matter if the car is yours or not...