Police crackdown targets drug driving

LONDON, July 30 (Reuters) Motorists under the influence of drugs as well as alcohol will be targeted this summer under a police initiative launched today.

Police officers in all 43 forces across England and Wales will be testing motorists for drug driving under an annual summer crackdown, the Association of Police Officers (APCO) said.

Those suspected of driving when on illegal or prescription drugs will have to take a ''field impairment test''.

The pupils of their eyes will be examined, they will have to walk in a straight line, stand on one leg and touch their nose.

Steve Green, chief constable of Nottinghamshire Police, said the number of people driving while on drugs is on the increase.

He warned that those caught could be hit with the same penalties as those who drink and drive.

Drivers who are over the alcohol limit are automatically given a minimum one-year disqualification. They also face a fine of up to 5,000 pounds and up to six months' imprisonment.

Some senior police officers have called for more powers to deal with drug driving.

Meredydd Hughes, chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, said the law should be simplified.

''Impairment and the measurement of impairment is a complicated issue and I believe we need to focus on a simple law, because impairment is only one of the measures of your ability to drive and other measures, such as attitude, judgment and education, need to be taken into account.

''(We) would like to see some clarity around this issue and a way forward to test drivers for drugs rather than impairment.'' The anti-drink and drug driving campaign, now in its 31st year, will run until Sept. 2.

REUTERS PD KP1903