Latest alcohol and drugs information available from FTA

Friday 18 December 2015

With Christmas approaching and celebrations getting under way, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) is urging drivers to make themselves aware of drink and drugs legislation that could see them fall foul of the law over the festive season.

The danger of drinking and driving is well known but many drivers may be unaware of changes to the law in England and Wales regarding prescription drugs including diazepam and temazepam. Limits were introduced in March for eight commonly-prescribed medications and anyone whose driving is impaired through exceeding the limit can face prosecution.

The penalty for drug driving is the same as for drink driving in England and Wales – an automatic ban of at least a year, a fine and up to six months in prison. Lower alcohol limits were introduced in Scotland in December 2014 so it’s important to be aware of the changes.

Arrests for drink driving always peak over Christmas and New Year and drivers are advised to be aware of the limits – or better still avoid alcohol altogether when driving.

An A2 poster and a pocket-sized drivers’ guide outlining the dos and don’ts of drink and drugs are now available from Shopfta, including the following key updates:

• The Road Traffic Act England and Wales
• New Scottish drink driving limits
• New drug driving laws and roadside testing
• Methods and time scales for drug detection
• Advice on prescription drugs use in the workplace

Shopfta also stocks a range of breathalysers, from disposable ones through to professional Home Office-approved kits as used by the police, which are accepted as evidence in court, and a range of drug testing equipment. All products can be found on the Shopfta website at http://www.shop.fta.co.uk - call 03717 11 11 11 for more information.
 
FTA Press Office
01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk