Campaign put focus on drug-driving dangers

Monklands motorists who put others at risk by drug-driving were the focus of a police campaign.

Road Policing officers put the spotlight on suspected drugdrivers as part of a national initiative to improve road safety late last month.

During an earlier summer drink and drug-drive campaign in early July, officers conducted 75 roadside drug tests as well as 427 roadside breath tests, which resulted in 156 drink and drug-driving offences being reported.

Out of the 156 offences reported, 66 related to drink-driving offences, 41 to driving a vehicle with a drug over the prescribed limit and 17 to driving a vehicle whilst unfit (through drink or drugs), with 32 drivers failing to comply with a requirement to provide a sample.

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw said: “We have sadly seen time and again that people are willing to risk driving under the influence, or over the limit of drugs and it is simply unacceptable.

“Roadside drug testing has been in place for almost two years and road policing officers are detecting drug-driving offences far too regularly.

“The purpose of this campaign was to raise awareness of the drug limits in place and to highlight the dangers that drug driving brings.

“Drug, or drink-driving can, and does, have fatal consequences which should be enough of a deterrent. If convicted of such an offence, you could go to jail, lose your job and your driving licence and be given a fine.

“If you have concerns someone may be drug-driving, please call us on 101, or Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, so we can take action.”

On the lookout During the drink and drug-drive campaign in early July, officers conducted 75 roadside drug tests