Drug-drivers face roadside tests in new police blitz

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Hundreds of officers trained in drug and alcohol testing will be deployed over the coming weeks.

All motorists involved in crashes will be automatically tested and the Met will set up checkpoints around the city.

The nationwide summer crackdown follows increasing concern about the number of motorists using drugs.

Analysis by the Government's Transport Research Laboratory on people involved in fatal collisions has shown a sharp rise in the last decade in the numbers who had taken drugs, particularly cannabis.

The figures have shown a sixfold increase since the Eighties.

Announcing the launch today, Superintendent David Snelling, of the Met's Traffic Unit, said: "Drink and drugs seriously affect the ability to judge speed and distances, reduces concentration and slows reactions.

"The chances of being involved in a collision are significantly increased.

"Most people like to enjoy an evening in the pub or in the garden with friends in the summer months but if you drive home the consequences could ruin your life and the lives of others."

A total of 18,657 people were arrested by the Met last year for drink-driving, up two per cent on 2005.

There were also 50 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs last year, the first in which specific statistics for drug-driving were kept.

Anyone suspected by police will be required to take a "field impairment test".

This involves an eye examination for signs their pupils are dilated and exercises, such as walking in a straight line heel to toe and standing on one leg.

Steve Green, the Association of Chief Police Officers leader on roads policing and chief constable of Nottinghamshire, said: "Being under the influence of drugs, either illicit or prescribed, means you are unfit to drive.

"The police service is not willing to tolerate this type of offending and it is our intention to crack down heavily." The campaign will run until 2 September.