War on drug drivers ... after 4-year delay
‘Long-overdue development’
DRUG-DRIVING limits and roadside testing are to be introduced in Scotland – more than four years after a similar crackdown began south of the Border.
Hi-tech ‘drugalyser’ testing kits similar to drink breathalysers will be introduced to catch motorists who get behind the wheel after taking drugs.
The law will adopt a zerotolerance approach to eight drugs most associated with illegal use including cannabis, heroin and cocaine. Limits will be set at a level at which any claims of accidental exposure can be ruled out.
Last night there was concern it had taken so long for ministers to set up the scheme – and fears that overstretched police lack the manpower to enforce it.
Scottish Police Federation general secretary Calum Steele said officers in patrol cars were the most likely to detect drink-drivers but added that the ‘fleet has been cut to the bone’ because of the budget squeeze.
He said: ‘It’s one thing to create a law and another making sure police have the resources available to enable them to enforce it.’
Drug-driving limits, as well as roadside testing, are due to be introduced on October 21, if passed by MSPs.
A list of drugs associated with medical use will also have limits based on impairment and risk to road safety.
It is hoped the legislation will make it easier to hold drugdrivers to account as there will no longer be a requirement to prove someone was driving in an ‘impaired manner’.
At present officers rely on roadside tests, such as for coordination and balance, or physical cues including pupil dilation, followed by a urine test at a police station, to gauge drug consumption. Experts say drivers impaired by drugs are responsible for up to 200 deaths a year in the UK.
Existing legislation makes it an offence to be in charge of a motor vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs, with the penalties – reserved to Westminster – a minimum 12-month driving ban, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.
The new offence of driving while above specified drug limits will operate alongside the current offence and carry with it the same maximum penalties.
Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are said to be on track for implementation in October. Chief Inspector Stephen Innes said: ‘This legislation will enhance our ability to detect and deter motorists engaging in this extremely risky driving behaviour.’
England and Wales launched a similar scheme in March 2015.
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr welcomed the ‘SNP’s belated implementation of these measures’. He said: ‘These reforms will finally ensure the Scots drugdriving approach is as robust as the rest of the UK from October.
‘The SNP must therefore ensure Police Scotland has the officers it needs to enforce this new law and keep our roads safe.’
Neil Greig, of motoring group IAM RoadSmart, said: ‘This is a positive and long overdue development.’
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: ‘The introduction of drugdriving limits will strengthen the power of Scotland’s police and prosecutors to tackle the minority of drivers who irresponsibly put themselves and other road users at risk.’