No plans for drug driving laws in Scotland a year after successful introduction in England

Campaigners have warned drug drivers are more likely to think they can get away with driving under the influence in Scotland because of the lack of a criminal limit or roadside warnings.

A year after drug driving laws were introduced in England and Wales there have been no moves to do the same in Scotland.

A Road Safety Scotland conference heard there had been a four-fold increase in the number of drivers south of the border charged with drug driving since the laws were brought in last March.

It was also told the conviction rate had risen sharply from 52 per cent in 2012 to the current figure of 95 per cent.

In Scotland, prosecutors must prove a person’s driving was “impaired” by the use of drugs in order to secure a conviction.

So called “drugalysers” have allowed police in England and Wales to screen drivers for cocaine and cannabis.

But according to The Herald, a draft copy of the Scottish government’s road safety plan, due to be published in the coming weeks, makes no provision for drug driving.

Neil Greig, head of policy in Scotland for the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “Scotland is leading the way on things like drink driving, with the lower limit, but we’re lagging behind on drugs and really missing out on a very useful tool for road safety and crime in general.

“What this drug-driving law in England seems to have uncovered is a substantial problem.”

An AA spokesman said: “If you think your chances of being caught and proven to be under the influence , it sends out the message to drug drivers that they stand a pretty good chance of getting away with it.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish government said: “Following prioritising the delivery of a lower drink drive limit, we are considering whether specific drug-driving limits in Scotland would add to the existing powers of police in tackling those who drive after taking drugs and will be informed by the experience and lessons from implementation in England and Wales.”