New proposals outlined by the Secretary for Transport, Grant Schapps, could force those convicted of drug driving offences to attend rehabilitation courses before being allowed to drive again.
Drink drivers are already offered such a course, but drug drivers currently are handed a driving ban, prison sentence or fine when they appear before the courts.
The Department for Transport (DfT) says that nearly half of all drug driving convictions are for repeat offenders, with figures for 2019 showing that of 12,000 drug driving convictions some 44% appeared in court for at least the second time.
Launching a consultation on the proposals the Transport Secretary said: “Drink-driving is now rightly seen as a social taboo by most of us in this country and we have worked hard to drive down drink-drive related deaths.
“But if we are to make our roads safer still, there is no room to be lax on drug driving, which is why I have launched this call for evidence today.
“It’s only right that drug drivers must undergo rehabilitation before getting back behind the wheel, helping protect the public from this hidden problem and stamping out drug driving for good.”
Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy for the RAC said: “Drug-driving ruins lives and threatens the safety of all road users.
“We welcome proposals to offer drug-driving offenders rehabilitation courses, in the same way those caught drink-driving are offered them, because the evidence shows this helps to reduce reoffending and improves road safety.”
The DfT also added that the consultation will also be seeking views on the use of medicinal cannabis to “ensure road safety policy keeps up to date with changing societal norms”.
In some cases, it may be considered legal to drive with certain drugs in a motorist’s system if they have been prescribed.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
