UK: Drivers To Face Roadside Drugs Testing

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Belfast Telegraph

Thursday 03 Aug 2000

Subject: UK: Drivers To Face Roadside Drugs Testing

Source: Belfast Telegraph

Pubdate: 3 August 2000

Drivers To Face Roadside Drugs Testing

DRIVERS suspected of taking drugs will be made to perform roadside tests
such as standing on one leg and touching their noses with their eyes
closed, police said today.

Motorists will also have to walk in a straight line and perform balanced
turns and estimate when 30 seconds is up, with their heads tilted back.

The new measures are being launched by the Association of Chief Police
Officers (Acpo) following pilot schemes in several force areas across
England, Wales and Scotland.

Officers are being trained to detect signs of drug use by motorists,
including dilated pupils, itching and drowsiness.

Acpo spokesman on drugs-driving Richard Brunstrom said there had been an
undoubted increase in drivers who were unfit through drugs in recent years.

"The techniques help officers recognise if a driver has been taking drugs
and whether there is any resulting impairment in a person's ability to
drive," Mr Brunstrom said.

Minister for Roads, Lord Whitty, welcomed the new measures which come into
force today. "The techniques are simple and straightforward and can be
applied anywhere to help enforce existing laws with greater rigour in the
interests of all road users," he said.

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