POLICE MAY GIVE ROADSIDE DRUG TESTS

Drivers may soon be forced to stand on one leg and take other tests if
police believe they are under the influence of drugs.

Parliament passed the Land Transport Amendment Bill (No 4) last week
and it will come into effect on December 1, allowing police to make
drivers take a compulsory impairment test.

If the test shows a driver is impaired, it will be followed by a blood
test to determine if they had taken drugs.

A Ministry of Transport spokeswoman said the walk and turn, one leg
stand and eye tests had been specifically developed for identifying
drivers on drugs, in conjunction with experts from the United Kingdom.

"Roadside tests like this are used extensively internationally and
trainers from the UK provided training in New Zealand," she said.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce said drugged drivers were a serious
threat on New Zealand roads.

"People who drive when their judgment and reactions are impaired by
drugs are a danger to themselves and others," he said.

The Government placed a high priority on combating drugged drivers and
Mr Joyce was pleased the bill had become law.

The legislation would make it easier to gather evidence and get
convictions, he said.

Currently police can ask a driver to take an impairment test but
cannot force them.

This legislation will make it easier for police to show whether a
driver presents a road safety risk or not, Mr Joyce said.

The test still needs the approval of the Minister of Police and
details would be published in the New Zealand Gazette.

Drivers have to fail the impairment tests and the blood test must show
the presence of controlled drugs for a prosecution.

At present police must rely on expert medical evidence for a
prosecution and doctors have interpreted "incapable" as being unable
to stand.

"Many drivers that do not meet this threshold are still likely to be
unsafe to drive," the ministry spokeswoman said.

A recent study by Massey University found a large proportion of drug
users had driven in a risky manner while under the influence.
Penalties would be the same as for drink driving.