December 1, 2015 10.02 am This story is over 98 months old

New Lincolnshire Police kit tests drug drivers at the roadside

Christmas drink/drug driving campaign: Police officers have a new piece of kit to target drug drivers, and it can detect drugs in under three minutes.

In addition to the breathalyzer for alcohol, Lincolnshire Police officers are also using an extra piece of kit in December to target drug drivers.

The drug wipe, activated by saliva, will be used at the roadside by East Midlands Operational Support Service (EMOpSS) officers across the region from December 1 in Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.

The new test can detect drugs in your system in as little as three minutes, police said. Officers will be placed in local hotspots and will follow an intelligence led approach to carry out roadside tests for alcohol and drugs throughout December.

Lincolnshire Police conducting breath tests as part of their annual drink driving campaign. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire Police conducting breath tests as part of their annual drink driving campaign. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The consequences for drug driving are the same as drink driving: 12 months ban minimum, a criminal record, a fine and up to six months in prison.

Chief Inspector Phil Vickers said: “Officers across the East Midlands will be conducting enforcement activity from today, with the mission of catching unfit, unsafe drivers.

“You know if you have taken drugs – now we will know at the roadside.

“Drink or drug driving is never worth the risk to yourself and to other road users but you also face the very real risk of being caught.

“You might think you are ok and that you will get away with it – our message today is that you won’t.”

Chief Inspector Phil Vickers. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Chief Inspector Phil Vickers. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Public support is also being enlisted in reporting drink and drug drivers. Those who drive over the limit are being asked “who’s watching you?”

If you suspect that someone is drug or drink driving, call the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency).