The Government has announced that a zero-tolerance approach will be taken towards those who take controlled drugs and then drive.
Initial Government proposals listed eight drugs, including cannabis, LSD, heroin and ecstasy, and anyone found to be driving with even a small amount of these substances in their system can be prosecuted under the new offence of driving over a specified limit with a specific controlled drug in the body. The proposals are to be consulted on up until September 17. The consultation started on Tuesday.
Proposed limits for eight other controlled drugs were also announced, by Road Minister Stephen Hammond, including the tranquilisers diazepam and temazepam. Limits for these drugs, however, will be much higher than for those such as ecstasy and heroin.
Action has been swiftly taken following a report published in March this year by a panel of medical and scientific experts which provided advice to the Government on drug-driving.
The Road Minister had this to say: "Drug-driving is a menace which devastates families and ruins lives. That is why we are proposing to take a zero tolerance approach with those who drive under the influence of illegal drugs and sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
"We have also put forward our proposals for dealing with drivers who use specific prescribed drugs. We know that the vast majority of people who use these drugs are doing so responsibly and safely and that is why our approach does not unduly penalise drivers who have taken properly prescribed medicines.
"Together, these proposals will make our roads safer for everyone by making it easier for the police to tackle those who drive after taking illegal drugs and clarifying the position for those who take medication."
AA president Edmund King said: "The introduction of drink-drive limits linked to the breathalyser revolutionised road safety and we believe that setting drug-drive limits is another significant step in the right direction."
RAC technical director David Bizley added: "We welcome the Government's move. We all know that driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and wrecks lives - but it is also a growing problem, particularly among young motorists."
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