Drug-driving cases triple after tough laws come in
THE number of motorists caught “drug driving” in North Wales has virtually tripled in the three years since tough laws to catch them were brought in.
In March 2015, strict thresholds to the levels of illegal and medicinal drugs in a driver’s body were introduced as part of a nationwide crackdown.
By the end of that year, 177 motorists had tested positive for “drug driving” in the region. The number increased to 400 caught in 2016 with the figure jumping to 600 by the end of last year.
That means that, in the past three years, a combined total of 1,177 motorists have been caught drug driving in North Wales. The figures were revealed following a Freedom of Information request to North Wales Police (NWP).
The drugs on the list of substances which would potentially land drivers in hot water include cocaine, ketamine, LSD, morphine, methadone and diazepam. The force has said the numbers testing positive was unacceptable and warned drivers could be banned for at least 12 months, face heavy fines and lose their jobs.
Inspector Dave Cust of the Roads Policing Department said: “We continue to remind motorists of the message that drink or drug driving is unacceptable, yet, we continue to catch people on the roads of North Wales every single day.
“Despite the repeated warnings that we are out and about, over 1,400 drink and drug drive arrests were carried out last year.
“So far in 2018, over 140 arrests have been done – despite it only being February.
“If convicted, each could be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months; face a heavy fine and many could lose their jobs. It is an extremely serious matter.
“We will continue in our efforts to change driver behaviour in order to make our roads safer.
“Our teams will remain alert to the threat of people who are driving under the influence of intoxicants and will continue to catch those who take this risk and endanger innocent road users.”