RAC response to 800% increase in arrests for drug driving

The Press Association is today reporting that drug-drive arrests have soared by up to 800% in the 12 months since new laws were introduced, according to the Department for Transport (DfT). Legal driving limits were laid down for 17 prescription and illegal drugs on March 2 last year.

The DfT published provisional figures from Cheshire Police which show its officers arrested more than 530 suspected drug-drivers from March 2015 to last month, up from just 70 in the whole of 2014.

In response RAC chief engineer David Bizley says: “Research from the RAC Report on Motoring shows that 19% of UK drivers rank driving under the influence of drugs among their top four motoring concerns and therefore the recent figures published on enforcement of the new drug driving laws will be welcome news to many motorists.

“The 800% increase in drug driving arrests reported by Cheshire Police and the 50% positive results of drug driving tests conducted by police across England and Wales over the Christmas period, shows that the new roadside testing equipment is really making a difference.

“Enforcement is always most effective as a deterrent when combined with information and education and therefore the latest THINK! drug driving campaign is timely and well directed.”