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Lancashire drug driving crackdown
2:28pm Monday 17th August 2009

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MOTORISTS who drive after taking drugs are being warned they will be brought to justice.

Lancashire Constabulary said that its officers had been specially trained to spot drivers who were under the influence of drugs.

Officers also said that it would use “robust enforcement” to tackle the offence and would be targeting drug drivers throughout August.

Its warning came as a £2.3million national advertising campaign highlighting the issue was launched at the force’s headquarters today.

Research conducted for the campaign found that one in five drivers killed in road accidents may have an impairing drug in their system.

There is a perception that it is difficult to be caught and prosecuted for the offence, which carries a penalty of up to six months in prison, a minimum 12 month ban and a fine.

The campaign aims to show that police can identify signs of drug use while also educating people about the dangers of drug driving.

Superintendent Peter O’Dwyer from Lancashire Constabulary’s operations department, said: “Like alcohol, drugs can affect reaction time, judgement, concentration and impair vision, all of which can make driving extremely dangerous.

“Our roads policing officers are specially trained to identify drivers who are under the influence of drink and drugs. Part of that process involves carrying out Field Impairment Tests (FIT tests) which help us to establish whether a person is under the influence of drugs.

“As a police force we are committed to tackling this issue head on, using robust enforcement when necessary.”

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said: "Drivers should be in no doubt that if you get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs then the police can spot you, they can test you and you will face punishment."

Road safety charity Brake welcomed the campaign but said the government should bring in roadside testing devices similar to alcohol breathalysers.

Currently officers conduct roadside fitness tests before taking the suspect to a police station for a blood test

Research conducted for the campaign found that one in five drivers killed in road accidents may have an impairing drug in their system.