Roadside Drug Testing Surprisingly Shelved
Sunday, 24. July 2011
Image via Wikipedia
I have reported in the past the progress being made to introduce accurate drug testing with the ability of traffic officers to carry out roadside drug tests. I understood that equipment was now available but awaiting legislation to be passed that would enable police to carry out the tests after stopping suspicious motorists. This move was supported by a poll carried out by the RAC that established that 3% of motorists admitted to driving under the influence of controlled substances. This is up to 1 million motorists. The issue has been debated for nearly 10 years with strenuous research carried out resulting in the Drugs (Roadside Testing) Bill.
However, the bill has now been thrown out after its second reading with the Government claiming that it needs more time.
Sounds to me like they could all be on drugs! Allegedly! Christopher Chope, the former Road Safety Minister in the Labour Government was clearly upset saying that the Home Office had had plenty of time to fully develop and test a ‘drugalyser’ although it is believed that behind the decision was the fact that with police numbers being cut that the police haven’t the time or resources to carry out such tests.
The police will still be able to stop motorists driving dangerously or erratically and carry out the standard tests including walking a straight line and counting to 30.
However, in order for a conviction to succeed, the driver will have to be taken to a police station for a blood sample to be taken and a drug test carried out. In this modern age this certainly seems like a retrograde step. What do you think? By Graham Hill
