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Cameron reveals plans for drug-driving law

20/01/2012

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced new legislation making it illegal to drive under the influence of drugs could be included in the next Queen's speech.

Cameron believes calls for a drug-driving law, similar to that of the current drink-driving law, have gathered 'great strength'. This will be seen as good news for drivers and car insurance policy holders who wish to drive on safer roads.

The plans were revealed as Mr Cameron took a question from Conservative MP Gavin Barwell, who is representing the family of Lillian Groves. Lillian, a 14 year old schoolgirl, was killed by a drug driver.

The Prime Minister said: "I think it is important that we take this issue of drug driving seriously. We are committed to making the drug-driving testing equipment available for use in police stations as soon as possible."

"The case that he [Gavin Barwell] is making, which is to make an equivalent law to drink-driving, I do think is one that has a great strength."

As the present law stands, it is only an offence to drive a vehicle while impaired by drugs, unlike the drink driving law, where only the presence of alcohol is required for prosecution. Police currently have to prove the driver is impaired by drugs before taking further action.

The government have asked a panel of experts to consider the scientific case for creating a new criminal offence of driving a vehicle shortly after taking illegal drugs. The panel will then give input on the effect of illegal drugs on drivers, but not make legislation recommendations.

Figures released by the Transport Research Laboratory show that 18 per cent of people killed in road crashes had traces of illegal drugs in their blood. Cannabis is the most common drug found.

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