Drug Driving Ban Plans Confirmed by Transport Minister

Opioid-based medicines, such as morphine and codeine, may be included in a new drug driving law as part of government plans aimed at tackling the problem, the Independent reports.

If the proposal is passed, motorists who are prescribed certain types of painkillers may be penalised for drug driving, regardless of the fact that they are taking the doses their doctors have prescribed.

The government insists that the new law aims to tackle driving under the influence of the Class A drugs, which include heroin and cocaine and which are believed to be the most dangerous types. However, concerns have been raised that motorists who are treating chronic conditions with painkillers might be deemed offenders.

According to data from the Transport Research Laboratory, almost a quarter of all deaths caused by road traffic accidents are related to drug driving. In addition, figures from a survey commissioned by the government in 2009 show that 10% of young motorists drive after taking drugs.

Transport Minister Mike Penning is determined to stop this dangerous practice by clearly showing drivers that getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs is not something they can get away with. He adds that motorists who are legally taking prescribed medicines will be allowed a statutory defence, although this might mean they will have to plead in court.