Written question asked by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 February 1998. It was answered by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 February 1998 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to test drivers suspected of being under the influence of illegal drugs.

Answer: Mr. Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to test drivers suspected of being under the influence of illegal drugs. [30155] Ms Glenda Jackson: Under existing legislation the police have powers to arrest a driver whom they suspect of being impaired through drugs, and to require the provision of a specimen for testing. We have at present no plans to extend those powers. We announced on 11 February a forthcoming roadside trial of drug screening devices by the police. Its purpose is to establish whether the devices are sufficiently robust and practical for conditions likely to be encountered at the roadside, and not to test for the presence of drugs or to assess the accuracy of the devices. Drivers will be asked to volunteer to participate in the trial but those who are obviously impaired through alcohol or drugs will not be asked to volunteer, and will be dealt with by the police using their existing powers.

Secondary information