First roadside drug-testing device approved
A new drug-testing device has been approved for use from March that will allow police to screen drivers for drugs at the roadside.
A new drug-testing device has been approved for use from March that will allow police to screen drivers for drugs at the roadside.
The Securetec DrugWipe 3S device, known as DrugWipe, is the first portable device that can detect the presence of cannabis and cocaine.
The disposable detection device works by analysing a small quantity of saliva. The results are indicated by the appearance of lines on the device (similar to a pregnancy test) within eight minutes of starting the test. One device can be used for 25 drug tests.
Speaking at the National Roads Policing Conference last week, Policing Minister Mike Penning confirmed that from March 2, when the new offence of drug-driving comes into force under the Road Traffic Act 1988, police will be able to use DrugWipe.
Following a positive reading, the police will take the individual to a police station for a blood test, which will be used in any subsequent prosecution.
The Government believes the groundbreaking new device will allow the police to quickly identify drivers potentially under the influence of cocaine or cannabis and enable an evidential blood test to be taken without a doctors authorisation.
DrugWipe can also be used to enforce the existing offence of driving while impaired.
The maximum penalties under the new drug-driving offence are similar to the current drink-driving law 12 months disqualification, a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison.
Anyone failing a drug screen will either be processed immediately under the new law and have a blood sample taken or will undertake a field impairment test and be processed under the current impairment law.
Following its authorisation, the device is now available for forces to purchase. It builds on the existing capability to screen for drug-drivers in police stations using the Draeger Drug Test 5000, which was approved for the detection of cannabis in December 2012.
Mr Penning said: This device is a big step towards bringing more drug-driving criminals to justice. Those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs not only put their own lives at risk, but also those of innocent pedestrians, motorists and their passengers.