#J#: AUSTRALIA: MORE DELAYS FOR DRIVER DRUG TESTS

THE official start of SA's embattled drug-driving laws was declared a
washout yesterday, with rain putting a dampener on the first tests.

A group of 13 specially trained police was expected to test drivers
for methamphetamine and THC (the active ingredient in cannabis), but
rain thwarted plans.

"Due to inclement weather, there will be no opportunity today to film
drug tests," a police spokeswoman said. "We hope for it to occur
within the next 24 hours.

"The decision is made under occupational health and safety. It cannot
be avoided."

Police said their Working on Roads policy prevented them from setting
up a testing site because of the dangers associated with vehicles on wet roads.

The new legislation came under fire last month when it was revealed a
loophole would prevent police from pulling drug-affected drivers off the road.

Police would be able to issue a fine and warn offenders not to drive,
but the driver could not be arrested unless they committed another offence.

The legislation was amended, but days later police announced they
only had resources to man one drug-testing station at a time.

Assistant Commissioner Grant Stevens said he believed this was
sufficient for the 12-month trial.

Samples taken from 230 people who died on SA roads between 2003 and
2005 showed more than one in five returned positive results for THC
or methamphetamine.