POLICE TO GET POWER TO STOP AND TEST DRUG DRIVERS

The Governement is to introduce new laws within a fortnight that will
give police new powers to administer a blood test on drivers thought
to be driving under the influence of drugs.

The move comes after National rode to the rescue of Labour on the
proposed new laws, which had been stymied by disagreement by New
Zealand First and the Greens over the legislation.

"National would support any sensible measures that would stop people
driving while impaired by anything," said National transport
spokesman Maurice Williamson.

He said he was happy to have the measure cover not just illegal
drugs, but also legal prescription drugs.

"Some people get all sorts of medication prescribed to them, and
often the doctors tell them this will impair your ability to drive a
car," Williamson said.

"I would hope we have a way of stopping anyone abusing that as well.
The road toll is still ghastly."

He said he had been "staggered" Transport Minister Annette King had
not asked him if National would back the legislation, which would
give Labour the numbers it needed in the House.

Told of National's support for the measures, a spokesman for King
said she was "very pleased commonsense had prevailed". As a result
legislation would be introduced in the "next week or two".

Police already have the power to charge those considered to be
incapable of driving through suspected drug use, but it is legally
difficult to prove, and rarely used.

The Land Transport Amendment Bill would lower the legal threshold of
being impaired by illegal drugs and give police the power to do
roadside co-ordination tests if a driver seemed impaired but passed a
breath test. A motorist believed to be on drugs would have to undergo
a blood test.

If illegal drugs were found in the blood drivers would face the same
penalties as if caught drink-driving: up to three months in prison,
or a fine of up to $4500, and at least six months' disqualification.