Menu
29/11/2011
Motorists To Face Roadside Drugs Tests
Car drivers across the Irish Republic are soon to be subjected to roadside drug testing in order to clamp down on drug driving.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has confirmed plans for the initiative where Gardaí will be able to ask drivers to perform tests at the roadside in order to determine if they are driving under the influence of drugs.
New legislation is currently being drafted and Minister Varadkar hopes to introduce the measure in the New Year.
Any driver who fails the roadside impairment test, or who appears to be under the influence of drugs, will be arrested and brought to a Gardaí Station.
Speaking about the new legislation, Minister Varadkar said: "These new laws will allow us to fast-track measures against drug driving. It’s already against the law to drive under the influence of drugs, but Gardaí will soon be able to conduct roadside drug tests.
"This will make it easier to detect and prosecute drug driving."
Gardaí will be able to test motorists for their co-ordination abilities by asking them to perform a series of physical exercises or gestures.
Training of police officers in the new procedures has been underway for some time by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) and UCD, in preparation for the introduction.
The new tests will be facilitated by a section of the Road Traffic No. 3 Bill, which is currently being drafted.
This legislation will also allow the introduction of 'R' (restricted) plates under a graduated licence system, and pave the way for a plastic card driving licence.
Research is also underway within Ireland, and internationally, to develop an apparatus, which can detect the presence of drug intoxicants other than alcohol in the body, in the same way that a breath test can measure alcohol, levels.
The Medical Bureau of Road Safety is closely involved in these initiatives.
(BMcC/GK)
The Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has confirmed plans for the initiative where Gardaí will be able to ask drivers to perform tests at the roadside in order to determine if they are driving under the influence of drugs.
New legislation is currently being drafted and Minister Varadkar hopes to introduce the measure in the New Year.
Any driver who fails the roadside impairment test, or who appears to be under the influence of drugs, will be arrested and brought to a Gardaí Station.
Speaking about the new legislation, Minister Varadkar said: "These new laws will allow us to fast-track measures against drug driving. It’s already against the law to drive under the influence of drugs, but Gardaí will soon be able to conduct roadside drug tests.
"This will make it easier to detect and prosecute drug driving."
Gardaí will be able to test motorists for their co-ordination abilities by asking them to perform a series of physical exercises or gestures.
Training of police officers in the new procedures has been underway for some time by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) and UCD, in preparation for the introduction.
The new tests will be facilitated by a section of the Road Traffic No. 3 Bill, which is currently being drafted.
This legislation will also allow the introduction of 'R' (restricted) plates under a graduated licence system, and pave the way for a plastic card driving licence.
Research is also underway within Ireland, and internationally, to develop an apparatus, which can detect the presence of drug intoxicants other than alcohol in the body, in the same way that a breath test can measure alcohol, levels.
The Medical Bureau of Road Safety is closely involved in these initiatives.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 May 2019
Drug Drivers Target Of New Safety Campaign
A new road safety campaign to be held over the June Bank Holiday will target drug drivers, amid an increase in DUI arrests in the first months of the year. The bank holiday safety drive was launched by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS).
Drug Drivers Target Of New Safety Campaign
A new road safety campaign to be held over the June Bank Holiday will target drug drivers, amid an increase in DUI arrests in the first months of the year. The bank holiday safety drive was launched by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS).
12 December 2008
Gun Recovered In Dublin Shooting Probe
As part of the continuing Gardaí investigation into the fatal shooting of Aidan O'Kane, searches were carried out at houses in the north inner city area of Dublin yesterday. According to officers, during the course of these searches a handgun and quantity of ammunition were recovered.
Gun Recovered In Dublin Shooting Probe
As part of the continuing Gardaí investigation into the fatal shooting of Aidan O'Kane, searches were carried out at houses in the north inner city area of Dublin yesterday. According to officers, during the course of these searches a handgun and quantity of ammunition were recovered.
17 September 2019
€2.2m Pledged To Implement National Drugs Strategy
Government has committed some €2.28 million to 12 strategic health initiatives to address priorities set out in the National Drugs Strategy. Each project aimed at tackling drug and alcohol misuse throughout the country will be awarded €190,000 this month, with funding continuing to June 2022.
€2.2m Pledged To Implement National Drugs Strategy
Government has committed some €2.28 million to 12 strategic health initiatives to address priorities set out in the National Drugs Strategy. Each project aimed at tackling drug and alcohol misuse throughout the country will be awarded €190,000 this month, with funding continuing to June 2022.
30 October 2017
Three Arrested In Connection With Large Drugs Seizure In Co Cork
Three people have been arrested in connection with a large drugs seizure in County Cork. As part of an ongoing operation into the sale and supply of controlled substances in the Cork area, Gardaí from Bandon Garda station searched a house at Presentation Terrace, Kinsale on the 27 October.
Three Arrested In Connection With Large Drugs Seizure In Co Cork
Three people have been arrested in connection with a large drugs seizure in County Cork. As part of an ongoing operation into the sale and supply of controlled substances in the Cork area, Gardaí from Bandon Garda station searched a house at Presentation Terrace, Kinsale on the 27 October.
30 November 2016
Eight In Court Charged In Connection With Major Drugs Investigation
Eight people have appeared in court charged in connection with a major drugs investigation in Kilkenny/Carlow Division. A total of 38 suspects have been arrested and detained as part of 'Operation Clave', which targets the sale and supply of controlled substances in Kilkenny/Carlow.
Eight In Court Charged In Connection With Major Drugs Investigation
Eight people have appeared in court charged in connection with a major drugs investigation in Kilkenny/Carlow Division. A total of 38 suspects have been arrested and detained as part of 'Operation Clave', which targets the sale and supply of controlled substances in Kilkenny/Carlow.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with scattered showers, some of these could be heavy in the afternoon. Becoming mostly dry by evening with increasing amounts of sunshine. Feeling rather warm. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A bright end to the day with any showers quickly dying out. Dry overnight with long clear spells and light winds. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
