News

| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(1)


advertisement

Roadside drug tests for drivers

by Adam Derbyshire
27/ 2/2008

AMERICAN-style roadside tests will be carried out on the streets of Tameside to target the hidden menace of drug-driving.

Dozens of specially-trained officers have been deployed to pull over motorists suspected of substance abuse.

Tests involve asking drivers to perform physical challenges if they suspect they are under the influence of drugs.

In the field impairment tests, drivers are asked to walk in a straight line or touch the tip of their nose with their eyes closed.

If they are incapable they are taken to a police station for a blood or urine test. And if they fail that, they are charged.

The major crackdown was launched after new research revealed that more than one in four young drivers (30 per cent) have got behind the wheel after taking drugs, and two out of five passengers (41 per cent) admit getting into cars driven by those who have taken drugs.

In addition, thousands of beermats and posters, carrying hard-hitting messages have been handed out to pubs and clubs locally.

Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts, of traffic police, said: "Like alcohol, drugs can seriously undermine your ability to drive safely.

"We are taking this illegal driving behaviour extremely seriously and we have made a major investment in training officers to undertake roadside drug impairment testing.

"Over 180 trained officers will be deployed across Greater Manchester during this campaign to specifically target drug drivers, so their chances of being caught are significantly increased."

Josie Wride, spokesman for the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership, added: "Drug-driving is as unacceptable as drink-driving.

"It also carries the risk of serious penalties, including prison. It’s not worth the risk."


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(1)


Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   This will probaly be just as effective as the Police action on catching Drivers using Mobile Phones ...... I STILL see large numbers of Drivers using Mobiles .... but have yet to see anyone actually pulled up for it !!!!
Dennis the Menace, Hyde
6/03/2008 at 01:48
Have your say
 
Have your say Got an opinion you want to share?
Register now and have your comments heard.

Register now

Latest stories
 

 
Personal Finance
 

Balance Transfer
Card BT Fee
Virgin Credit Card 2.98%
MBNA Platinum 2.9%
Customers with a 'good' credit profile
Company Typical APR
Platinum Exclusive Loan 7.8%
AA 7.9%
Sainsbury's Personal Loan 8.2%
Alliance & Leicester 8.7%
Lloyds TSB 8.9%
Abbey Personal Loan 8.9%
HASH(0x2b73e036abc0)
Provider AER*
ICICI BANK
HiSAVE Savings Account 		4.50%
FIRST DIRECT
Everyday e-Saver 		1.75%
SAINSBURYS FINANCE
Internet Saver 		2.25%
Fees may apply