Roadside drug tests to be introduced by PSNI

John O'Dowd says the ''launch of this roadside drugs-test tool is timely''

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is introducing roadside tests to detect drug driving.

This is an initial 12 month pilot programme across Northern Ireland, during which officers will use new swab testing kits on motorists, which can pick up the presence of cocaine and cannabis.

The £18 kits take eight minutes to produce a result.

They can be used at checkpoints in much the same way as breathalysers are used to detect drink driving.

The PSNI said new legislation has been required to make the move possible.

'Target those using illegal drugs'

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones, who is responsible for the PSNI's Operational Support Department, said “driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will drastically increase the risk of causing a collision.

Since January 46 people died on NI roads.

That number is far too high and we must work together to keep each other safe," she said.

“These drug wipes will allow us to target those using illegal drugs while driving and ensure they face the full rigours of the law for their lack of care for the safety of fellow citizens.,' she added.

Department for Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: “The launch of this roadside drugs-test tool is timely.''

“In the North, the death rate on our roads is, on average, one per week. It’s a shocking statistic and the devastation every road death leaves in its wake knows no boundaries.''

“In 2023, 11 people were killed in road traffic collisions where alcohol or drugs were attributed.''