Medical solutions provider Dräger is calling on employers to ensure drug and alcohol policies are robust as the new drug driving laws begin to be enforced.
With 16 drugs – both illegal and prescription – covered under the legislation, motorists could face much tougher penalties if caught driving over the newly specified limits.
Drivers found guilty will face an automatic driving ban of at least a year, as well as a possible jail term of up to six months and a fine of up to £5,000. Their driving licence will also show they have been convicted for drug driving.
The new law also has major implications on employers, as without a robust drug and alcohol policy in place, if an employee is caught driving under the influence of drugs they could face tough disciplinary action in addition.
Mark Burrup, Dräger regional segment manager, said: “The new legislation is part of a wider policy to crackdown on the menace of drug driving.
“Drug driving is a serious offence and the consequences can be devastating – with many people killed or injured on our roads because of drug drivers.
“A lot still needs to be done in terms of educating society about the changes in law and what it means for individuals. Even people with prescribed medication need to be aware of the drug drive limits and if in any doubt whatsoever, they simply shouldn’t get behind the wheel.”
Dräger’s DrugTest 5000 equipment is currently one of only two Home Office type approved devices for testing cocaine and cannabis at the roadside and the company is working with police forces around the UK to support the changes in law.
He continued: “Essentially, any business which uses vehicles as part of its day-to-day operations will be affected by the drug drive legislation. The importance of having a robust drug and alcohol policy in place can therefore never be underestimated.
“Recent surveys show that some companies are still in the dark about the new legislation and what it means for them. The key is awareness. If employers know and understand the limits and the knock-on implications for them as a business, they can make informed decisions about how to roll out the most appropriate policies for their workforce.”
Currently, if an employee is found guilty of a road traffic offence such as driving, or being in charge of a vehicle, whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the Traffic Commissioner is able to take disciplinary action against the operator.
Burrup outlined: “Employers face a range of tough penalties if an employee is caught driving under the influence of drugs. This includes anything from the complete revocation of licences, to disqualification from holding or obtaining licences in any traffic area, for as long a period as seen fit. Business and reputation would undoubtedly be affected – not to mention the lives put at risk.
“Cases are often looked at more favourably if operators can demonstrate that they have a robust drug and alcohol policy in place and that they have exercised all due diligence to prevent drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace.”
Speaking the truth - 30/04/2015 12:57
This post is as disgustingly outrageous as the law on drug driving itself , the act of having taking drugs is not and has never been an illegal offence. This totalarianistic desperate attemp for the conservatives to swing votes is likely to back fire. Employees who chose to smoke Cannabis in the evening or weekends are no more a danger than anyone else either in the work place or on the road. Driving whilst High is not acceptable but the lack of understanding of the culture we live in and the affect drugs have and for how long has a really black and white feel to it completely negating the grey inbetween which is very typical of the Tory government. Once again this is purely to shake the pockets of the poor to fund Opera houses and other pretentious crap 90% of the country have no interest in. It's a breach of human rights and seriously needs investigation , moderation and sense or it will not help the country at all!. Rise of unnemplyment, less petrol being purchased, people loosing there homes is the possible future for millions under this law. It's unreal a civilised country like ours could pass a law more suited to Banana republic country