Over 1,000 people were found to be driving under the influence of drugs in just one month, new police figures have shown.
The statistics were released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which said officers stopped almost 50,000 vehicles and carried out alcohol or drug tests.
Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, who speaks for the police on the issue, warned that drink or drug driving is a “selfish decision” that can ruin lives.
Prison
Figures recorded between 10 June and 10 July this year revealed that police used 2,588 drug screening devices.
Almost 40 per cent came up positive for drug use.
In 2015 a law came into force which made it easier for police to prosecute drivers if they exceed low limits of eight illegal drugs, including cannabis and cocaine.
Penalties for a conviction of drug driving include an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.
Real dangers
Davenport told people considering driving under the influence of drink or drugs, “don’t do it”.
She said: “Even though this has been a successful summer campaign, it is still disappointing to see during the campaign over 4500 people drink driving and over 1000 people driving whilst under the influence of drugs.”
“The dangers of drink or drug driving are real and we urge everyone to be responsible”, she continued.
Davenport added, “drink or drug driving is a selfish decision that can ruin your life or someone else’s”.
Teen killed
Last year the mother of a teenager killed by a driver who had smoked cannabis welcomed the new drug driving law.
Natasha Groves, whose 14-year-old daughter Lillian was killed by a drug-driver in 2010, said: “We have fought tirelessly since losing Lillian, and our determination has brought about this significant change”.
The driver involved in Lillian’s death received an eight-month prison sentence.