Overview

The Drugs (Roadside Testing) Bill aims to introduce roadside drug testing in England and Wales. It amends existing road traffic legislation to allow for preliminary drug tests and increases penalties for drug-driving offences, particularly repeat offenders.

Description

This bill makes two key amendments to existing laws:

Amendment of the Road Traffic Act 1988: The bill mandates that the Secretary of State approve a device for administering preliminary roadside drug tests within 12 months of the bill's passage.

Amendment of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988: The bill introduces mandatory minimum driving bans for drug-driving offences. A first offence within three years of a previous drug-driving conviction will result in a minimum 12-month ban; subsequent offences will lead to a minimum two-year ban.

The bill will come into effect three months after it receives royal assent and does not apply to Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. Costs will likely arise from the procurement and implementation of roadside drug testing devices, training of law enforcement personnel, and potential increases in court processing due to additional convictions.

Groups Affected

Drivers: Increased risk of penalties for drug-driving, particularly repeat offenders.

Law enforcement: Increased responsibilities and training requirements related to roadside drug testing.

The Judiciary: Increased workload due to potential rise in drug-driving prosecutions.

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