Drug drive warning for Rotherham motorists

Officers in South Yorkshire caught 100 motorists on cocaine or cannabis in 117 days of the new legislation.

Roadside tests are carried out and the crime carries the same penalties as drink-driving, including a minimum 12-month ban and up to six months in prison.

Chief Insp Glen Suttenwood said: “We developed a tactical plan to utilise the roadside kits effectively and, in the last six months, we have conducted 328 roadside tests, which have resulted in 184 arrests.

“This equates to 56 per cent of drivers tested having drugs in their system, which is quite concerning.

“We want people to realise they are potentially risking their life, as well as others, if they get behind the wheel of a car under the influence of drugs.”

Chief Con David Crompton added: “Almost 50 years ago, the drink-drive law was introduced and drivers had to learn, understand and adhere to it to keep themselves, as well as others, safe.

“This is the aim with our campaign. We want drivers to understand the implications of driving under the influence of drugs.”