UK Drug driving arrests have virtually tripled previously 5 years

Final Up to date on October 16, 2019

Drug driving arrests have virtually tripled since previously 5 years with Merseyside popping out on high from a survey of 20 constabularies throughout the UK.

Virtually 7,500 drivers have been arrested within the first six months of 2019, in comparison with 2,565 who have been arrested throughout the entirety of 2015, Adrian Flux has discovered.   

Merseyside police have already arrested greater than 1,100 individuals inside the first six months of 2019, in comparison with 106 for drink driving in the identical interval and so they’re on observe to double the variety of drug driving arrests from 2018.  

*All stats right up till July 31st

Different counties who've seen a dramatic enhance within the rise of drug driving previously 5 years embody; Cheshire, Dorset, Surrey and Norfolk, who spherical out the highest 5 from the 20 constabularies who supplied information.

New laws got here into impact in March 2015 overlaying authorized driving limits for pharmaceuticals, which has in flip led to a big variety of drivers being arrested, whereas different drivers have been caught driving with hashish and cocaine of their programs, amongst different unlawful substances. 

If suspected of drug driving by the police, drivers will likely be requested to take a roadside take a look at the place officers can test for traces of hashish and cocaine of their programs. Drivers may also be compelled to take a subject impairment evaluation to check sobriety by performing a activity reminiscent of strolling in a straight line.   

Motorists will then be arrested if the officers deem them unfit to drive as a result of they've taken medication and can then need to take a blood or urine take a look at on the nearest police station. 

If convicted of drug driving, motorists might withstand six months in jail, a limiteless high quality, one 12 months driving ban and a prison document.