BLITZ ON DRUG-TAKING DRIVERS MAY BE ON WAY

POLICE could be given greater powers to arrest drug-taking drivers as
figures show the spiralling influence of illegal substances in fatal
smashes, the Government said yesterday.

Ministers want to toughen the law and to educate officers in drug
recognition techniques which would give them greater confidence to arrest a
suspect, the Department of transport confirmed.

The move comes as doctors' leaders called for drug-driving tests and warned
that both legal and illegal substances impaired the ability to drive safely
in the same lethal way as alcohol.

The British Medical Association said the Government must co-ordinate
"speedier and more scientific research' to establish effective drug testing
devices as soon as possible.

It should also raise awareness of the issue with the public and educate
them on the impact of drugs on driving ability.

Between 1985 and 1999 the percentage of people involved in fatal road
accidents who tested positive for cannabis increased four-fold from 3% to
12%, research from the Transport Research laboratory found.

The BMA fears that this number will rise, given the increasing use of
drugs. Nearly half of 16 to 24 year olds in England and Wales are reported
as having tried cannabis and 39% claimed to have taken hallucinogens, it said.

Yesterday, a Department of Transport spokeswoman said: "If a person is
suspected of taking drugs and driving it is very difficult to prove it.

'Education and legislation would put police officers in a better position
to make that judgment.

"We are also working on a new publicity campaign to target people who might
take drugs and drive.'

Gordon Liberal Democrat MP Malcolm Bruce welcomed the proposal, adding:
"The idea that you prosecute drivers for alcohol and not for drugs whether
recreational or medicinal is clearly inconsistent.

"It is clearly unfair that people are prosecuted for having an excess of
alcohol in the blood but not for drugs, which can have a serious an effect."

Aberdeen Central Labour MP Frank Doran said: "It is clear right that we
should clamp down on drug users who drive."

Aberdeen North Labour MP Malcolm Savidge agreed: 'There should be a
stricter regime for prosecuting drugged drivers."

North Tayside SNP MP Pete Wishart said the proposal for crackdown was a
sensible move but urged: "We must move with caution."