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10/04/2006
Drug drivers passing roadside tests
Almost one third of drivers who tested positive for illegal drugs were able to pass roadside 'sobriety' tests, new research has revealed.
Research conducted by Glasgow University found that a significant number of drivers stopped by the police on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs were able to successfully complete the Field Impairment Tests, despite some having drugs such as heroin in their system.
Field Impairment Tests test a person's ability to carry out tasks, involving balance, judgement and ability to follow complex instructions. However, they do not test for the presence of specific substances in the body.
The tests are based on techniques used by police to detect drink drivers before the introduction of breath tests thirty years ago.
The RAC Foundation said that there was an "urgent need" to roll out roadside drug-testing equipment to detect drug drivers, because drug driving was increasing across the UK, particularly among drivers aged between 17-24.
The RAC said that more than a quarter of young people in London know someone who has driven after taking illegal drugs and one in ten say that their friends do it regularly.
A recent Manchester survey found that 45% of drivers questioned had driven while under the influence of drugs, while 68% had been a passenger in a car driven by someone high on drugs.
Sue Nicholson, Head of Campaigns for the RAC Foundation, said: "There has been a sharp increase in the number of young drivers killed on our roads, and we suspect drug-driving may play a large part in this.
"The latest research shows that some drug-drivers can escape detection by the Field Impairment Tests. While these are the best tests we currently have available to us, we believe there is an urgent need to improve detection techniques and equipment available to our police."
(KMcA)
Research conducted by Glasgow University found that a significant number of drivers stopped by the police on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs were able to successfully complete the Field Impairment Tests, despite some having drugs such as heroin in their system.
Field Impairment Tests test a person's ability to carry out tasks, involving balance, judgement and ability to follow complex instructions. However, they do not test for the presence of specific substances in the body.
The tests are based on techniques used by police to detect drink drivers before the introduction of breath tests thirty years ago.
The RAC Foundation said that there was an "urgent need" to roll out roadside drug-testing equipment to detect drug drivers, because drug driving was increasing across the UK, particularly among drivers aged between 17-24.
The RAC said that more than a quarter of young people in London know someone who has driven after taking illegal drugs and one in ten say that their friends do it regularly.
A recent Manchester survey found that 45% of drivers questioned had driven while under the influence of drugs, while 68% had been a passenger in a car driven by someone high on drugs.
Sue Nicholson, Head of Campaigns for the RAC Foundation, said: "There has been a sharp increase in the number of young drivers killed on our roads, and we suspect drug-driving may play a large part in this.
"The latest research shows that some drug-drivers can escape detection by the Field Impairment Tests. While these are the best tests we currently have available to us, we believe there is an urgent need to improve detection techniques and equipment available to our police."
(KMcA)
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54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
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54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
23 January 2012
Drink Drive Arrests Increase Over The Festive Period
Police in Merseyside have recorded an increase in the number of people drink and drugged driving during December.
Drink Drive Arrests Increase Over The Festive Period
Police in Merseyside have recorded an increase in the number of people drink and drugged driving during December.
02 March 2015
New Law Launches To Convict Drug Drivers
A new law has been launched today to help police catch and convict drug drivers in England and Wales. Motorists who get behind the wheel after taking illegal drugs face a criminal record, loss of their licence for at least one year, and a fine of up to £5,000.
New Law Launches To Convict Drug Drivers
A new law has been launched today to help police catch and convict drug drivers in England and Wales. Motorists who get behind the wheel after taking illegal drugs face a criminal record, loss of their licence for at least one year, and a fine of up to £5,000.
22 March 2011
Government Crackdown On Drink And Drug Driving
A package of measures to tackle drink and drug driving has been set out by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. Improved testing equipment to detect drink and drug drivers will be given the green light and key changes made to streamline enforcement of both offences.
Government Crackdown On Drink And Drug Driving
A package of measures to tackle drink and drug driving has been set out by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. Improved testing equipment to detect drink and drug drivers will be given the green light and key changes made to streamline enforcement of both offences.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
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