KOBELKE CONFIDENT OF DRUG-DRIVE TEST SUCCESS

The introduction of random roadside drug testing of WA drivers
mid-next year would not be plagued by the mishaps that hampered its
rollout in Victoria, Police Minister John Kobelke said yesterday.

The Drug Driving Bill, which has the support of the Opposition, will
be introduced to Parliament this week and Mr Kobelke has announced a
target date of July 1, 2007, for BAD buses aE" breath and drug buses.

Drug testing in Victoria in 2004 and 2005 included a number of false
positive results and just one of 283 drivers tested positive in the
first nine days.

Mr Kobelke said yesterday that he was confident WA would not
experience similar problems.

"There was a bit of negative reaction when it came in in Victoria
and I'm advised that the main reason was that the police weren't
properly trained," he said.

Mr Kobelke said testing would initially be restricted to
amphetamines, marijuana and ecstasy.

Drivers with a small amount of one of those drugs in their system
will be fined $200 and hit with three demerit points for a first
offence. Drivers found to be drug-impaired face a minimum $800 fine
and sixmonth driving suspension for a first offence. Repeat
offenders could be jailed for 18 months.