Triple the number of drug drivers are being caught on London's roads

Testing: new road-side drug screening devices have been introduced
Confused.com
Hannah Al-Othman14 May 2016
WEST END FINAL

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The number of motorists charged with drug-driving in London has soared over the last 12 months - increasing by almost 300 per cent.

Research conducted by Confused.com using freedom of information data showed that nationwide there had been a 140 per cent increase in charges, while in the capital the rise was almost double, at a staggering 290 per cent.

The rise coincides with changes to drug-driving laws that came into effect in March 2015, which saw new road-side drug screening devices introduced, alongside new drug limits for a wider variety of drugs – both illegal and prescription.

Between March 2015 and February 2016 1,209 motorists in London were charged with drug-driving, compared with just 310 the year before.

The FOI data obtained reveals some of the most common drugs that drivers have been pulled over under the influence of, including illegal drugs heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, ketamine and cannabis, as well as prescription medications such as diazepam and codeine.

In an online poll of motorists one in seven admitted to drug driving, with the majority taking prescription medication rather than illegal drugs.

The research found British motorists are four times more likely to drive under the influence of legal drugs than their contraband counterparts, with many saying they were unaware of how the law applies to driving when using prescription drugs.

And with hay fever season approaching, more than a third of motorists claimed to suffer from with the condition, with nearly two-thirds of hay fever sufferers admitting to driving after taking medication to treat the allergy, despite the potential risks of drowsiness and reduced concentration levels.

Matt Lloyd, Motoring Expert at Confused.com said: “It’s worrying to see that so many motorists admit to driving whilst under the influence of drugs – both prescription and illegal. However, it would seem that new drug driving laws introduced early last year seem to be having an impact, with the number of drug driving arrests increasing by 140 per cent.

"This means more motorists who are found to have broken the law are being caught, which in turn will help to make our roads a safer place.

“There is however, another area for concern around the level of awareness amongst drivers when it comes to how certain medications can affect a person’s driving ability.

"This is particularly alarming given the current time of year, especially as more than a third of motorists admit to suffering from hay fever, with many resorting to medication to help combat the symptoms - despite the potential risks of drowsiness and reduced concentration levels.

“Our advice is simple, before taking any medication people should always read the safety leaflet before driving. Or if unsure they should ask the pharmacist or err on the side of caution and don’t drive, as road safety for themselves and others should be a top priority for any driver.”

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