Roadside drug testing equipment is to be used by UK police forces to test for drugs including cannabis and cocaine in a similar way that drivers are breathalysed for alcohol. That is according to international safety manufacturer, Dräger.
The company say its DrugTest 5000 equipment underwent rigorous testing at the Home Office’s centre for applied science and technology (CAST) to confirm its accuracy, before receiving Home Office approval for use.
Dräger say the drug driving kit has been designed for real time usage, with saliva samples able to be analysed immediately for precise results on the spot. The approval of this mobile device also means police officers will no longer have to wait until they are at the police station to test drivers they suspect of being on drugs, add the company.
The announcement comes as new drug driving legislation came into force on 2 March, under which those caught driving under the influence of drugs will face harsher penalties including up to six months’ imprisonment, a £5,000 fine and 12 months’ disqualification.
To find out more about the Dräger DrugTest, visit the Drager website.
