Police forces to crack down on drug drivers

Acting Insp Andy Smith says some drivers do not understand the impact of being caught at the wheel while under the influence

Police forces in Suffolk and Norfolk are targeting drug drivers as part of an annual winter crackdown.

Officers have been given extra funding from National Highways to buy more roadside drug wipes.

Last year, 123 people were arrested in Norfolk, and 124 in Suffolk for driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Chief Insp Vicky McParland said: "The message is simple – do not drive under the influence."

Every driver stopped between 1 December and 1 January 2025 will be tested, officers said.

Roadside drug wipes can test for cannabis and cocaine

Drug wipes can test for a number of drugs.

If officers think the motorist is unfit to drive because of taking drugs, they will be arrested and have a blood or urine test at a police station.

Motorists convicted of drug-driving will get a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.

The law specifies limits for 17 substances, which vary depending on the drug.

Acting Inspector Andy Smith said: "We do have people who consume drugs, three or four days before being stopped by the police, that then come back over (the limit)."

Some forces made more arrests for drug-driving than drink-driving during December crackdowns, the BBC has found.

On the purchase of extra drug tests, Suffolk and Norfolk police forces said: "This will expand our testing capability and ultimately increase our chances of detecting drug drivers on our roads."