Roadside drug tests for UK drivers

The police in England and Wales are introducing roadside tests to check whether drivers are under the influence of drugs. The crackdown on drug driving will see recently approved testing kits being used by traffic officers for enforcement purposes. Concern has been expressed following recent studies showing large numbers of drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. Young male drivers pose a particular risk for getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. There are also proven links showing a high incidence of those using drugs being involved in a range of driving offences as well as crimes such as burglary. With the new kits finally being introduced to police, drivers being stopped on suspicion of being under the influence will not know whether they will be tested for drink, drugs or both. The kits use saliva samples to test for an array of different drugs and received official approval following a series of tests carried out by police forces across the country.