Driving under influence of drugs to become offence

Drivers in the UK found to have taken drugs face a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to £5,000 (€6,200) under new legislation.

Plans to make driving while under the influence of drugs an offence will be included in a crime, communications and courts Bill that will be in the queen’s speech (which will set out the government’s legislative agenda for the next year) tomorrow.

Offenders will also face an automatic driving ban.

Police forces are to be supplied with devices that will allow them to test drivers for drugs, once the equipment receives approval from the UK home office this year.

Under the law at present, the police can only prosecute drivers who have taken drugs if they can show that driving ability has been affected.