Unbreakable
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2009
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Drug-driving in England and Wales could become a specific offence, with a potential 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.
Mr Penning told BBC Breakfast it had taken so long to bring in such a law because testing had always been seen as "very complicated".
He said in Germany, Spain and Australia this was already being done.
"What we are saying is drug-driving is blighting this country and people are being killed and seriously injured on a regular basis.
"We don't know exactly how many because we're not testing correctly so bring the technology through, give the police the powers and remove this blight."
He said five different roadside saliva-testing devices were being considered at the Home Office which is expected to give approval by the end of the year.
Source: What is this fuckery?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17975502
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.
Mr Penning told BBC Breakfast it had taken so long to bring in such a law because testing had always been seen as "very complicated".
He said in Germany, Spain and Australia this was already being done.
"What we are saying is drug-driving is blighting this country and people are being killed and seriously injured on a regular basis.
"We don't know exactly how many because we're not testing correctly so bring the technology through, give the police the powers and remove this blight."
He said five different roadside saliva-testing devices were being considered at the Home Office which is expected to give approval by the end of the year.
Source: What is this fuckery?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17975502
