Scotland is urged to follow England’s lead on drug-driving ban

THE Scottish Government has been urged to follow the UK government’s move to outlaw drug-driving, after the coalition announced plans to introduce sentences of up to six months for offenders.

Motorists under the influence of illegal substances can only be prosecuted for being behind the wheel if police can prove their driving has been impaired.

But Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday confirmed that the government would ban drug-driving. The bill will also hand powers to the Scottish Government so it can enforce a similar crackdown.

The PM confirmed the move as he praised the family of a schoolgirl killed by a cannabis user for their “brave” campaign to change the law.

Lillian Groves was 14 when she was knocked down and the driver served only four months in jail. Mr Cameron said it “simply can’t be right” that the laws were not in place to punish drug-drivers properly.

Under the crackdown in England, proposed as part of a wider Crime, Communications and Court Bill in the coalition’s new legislative programme, drug-driving will become a specific offence.

Offenders will face up to six months in jail and fine of up to £5,000, as well as an automatic driving ban of at least 12 months.

Police will carry handheld drug-detection devices, which will take a saliva sample, as well as a breathalyser to test erratic drivers.

The machines are expected to receive approval from the Home Office by the end of the year.

The move follows an independent review of drink- and drug-driving law in 2010. An expert panel will help to decide which drugs are covered by the offence.

The Scottish Conservatives urged the Scottish Government to follow suit and make full use of the powers offered in the bill.

The party’s chief whip, John Lamont, said that introducing the legislation would help save lives.

“I’m delighted after years of lobbying for this that it is to be introduced,” he said. “We have long favoured roadside drug testing, and bringing it in would reflect the changing public attitude towards driving under the influence.

“I would urge the Scottish Government to follow the lead of the UK government and introduce this as quickly as possible, which will save lives and help bring to justice those who drive after taking drugs.”

Welcoming the suggestion, a Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “While this remains a matter for Westminster under the terms of the Scotland Act, the Scottish Government would welcome the powers to take further action on drug-driving.

“The Scottish Government believes that prevention from the outset and a zero tolerance approach are the key requirements, and will consider the recommendations made by the scientific review panel.”

The current Scotland Bill will hand over powers on drink-driving and speeding limits to Holyrood.