Drug Driving charges at all-time high across County Durham
Figures show 87 people were charged with driving under the influence last year, compared to just eight in 2014.
Durham Constabulary have seen a 998% rise in drug driving offences across the region.
Figures show 87 people were charged with driving under the influence last year, compared to just eight in 2014.
A study by Confused.com also found that one in eight drivers have admitted to driving under the influence of prescription medication.
A new offence of driving with certain controlled drugs, including some prescription medication and a number of over the counter medicines, came into force on 2 March 2015. Meaning Brits need to be extra aware of the effect of medication of their driving ability.
Those convicted of being over the specified limit and driving with certain drugs in their system which in turn affects their driving ability, could be given a fine of up to ÂŁ5,000, six months in prison and a minimum one-year driving ban.
Acting Sergeant Phil Grieve, Strategic Roads Policing Inspector at Durham Constabulary, said:
“There’s not necessarily a rise in drug use of motorists but since March last year devices were made available so it’s a lot easier for police officers to actually go out, stop motorists, carry out the screening device and arrest them if there is drugs present.
“If an officer suspects that you have drugs in your system, if you’re stopped for a moving traffic offence or if you’re involved in a collision and that collision doesn’t have to be your fault then you could face being screened by one of these devices and if drugs are found in your system then you will be arrested and dealt with accordingly.
“You could kill someone in a road traffic collision. If that is the case, then the full weight of the law will come down on you.”