The recently announced Home Office move will enable police to use testing equipment to assess UK drivers for the presence of certain illegal drugs. It follows publication of the North Review in 2010 – the first major evaluation of drink and drug driving law in 34 years – which called for the earliest possible introduction of drug driving screening devices.

Concateno has been campaigning for several years for the introduction of drug detection devices, drawing on its extensive experience overseas. The company currently provides roadside testing programmes in various countries, including Australia, Croatia, Italy and Spain using its mobile screening device, the Cozart® DDS®.

Concateno’s chairman and chief executive officer Peter Welch commented: “We welcome the Government’s announcement as recognition of the dangers presented by drug driving to UK road users. This represents an important development in road safety; police in this country will now have access to more reliable and sophisticated methods of detecting drug drivers.”

With product specification, manufacturers such as Concateno will be able to submit devices for Home Office approval for police use. “Our police will be able to deal more effectively with drug drivers on our roads,” commented Concateno’s drug driving expert Iain Forcer. “Our drug driving experience in other countries such as Australia, Croatia, Italy, and Spain demonstrates that using innovative and proven screening technology, combined with driver awareness programmes, is a significant factor in deterring drug drivers.”