Roadside drug test trial may get another run
By Farrah Tomazin
State political reporter
May 10, 2005
Victoria Police could be given the power to continue roadside drug tests until July next year - six months longer than the State Government had originally announced.
Under proposed laws introduced in Parliament, the original "sunset" date on random drug-driving tests would move from July 1 this year to July 1, 2006.
Superintendent Peter Keogh from Victoria Police's traffic support division said the change had been introduced "to allow a full 12 months of the program to be evaluated". The change means the roadside drug tests could be carried out until next July if necessary.
Police Minister Tim Holding yesterday said some form of the random drug testing would continue in Victoria after the 12-month trial ended in December.
Despite a controversial start, which was delayed six months - two of the first three drivers to test positive were later cleared - police figures suggest that of 4619 drivers tested for drugs until April, 63 tested positive.
The extension is contained in the Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill 2005, introduced in Parliament last week. The bill also proposes that drivers found guilty of dangerous driving be disqualified from driving - even if they are not convicted.
Source: The Age
