Drug drivers

Euro-MP Paul Nuttall

The planned crackdown on drug drivers, announced during the Queen’s Speech, has been welcomed by local UKIP Euro-MP Paul Nuttall.

"In my opinion such measures are long overdue and should be implemented as soon as possible," he said.

"Drug drivers are a menace on our roads and cause just as much danger to other road users as drink drivers and it is only right that a serious stance is being taken on the matter.

"I am glad to hear that the proposed legislation includes prison sentences but I think a maximum of six months is too low, especially as we all know that in reality it would mean three months at the very most and probably a lot less.

"Cannabis smoking in this country is rife as is cocaine abuse and I have no doubt at all that many drivers would fail a random drugs test for those particular drugs.

"I know that testing for various drugs is complicated but it is good to know that steps are now being put into action to equip police with devices to test for illegal substance abuse when drivers are suspected of impaired driving.

"This can only mean that our roads will become safer and road fatalities will fall," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP Deputy Leader.