FTA warns motorists to be aware of dangers of prescription drugs

Friday 13 May 2016

With today’s news that drug driving prosecutions reached an all-time high last year, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) says motorists need to be aware of laws regarding prescription drugs that came into force in March 2015.

Drink driving limits are well known but many drivers may be unaware of changes to the law in England and Wales on medications including diazepam and temazepam. Limits were introduced for eight commonly-prescribed drugs 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.

A report by the comparison website confused.com highlights a 144 per cent increase in drug driving prosecutions in 2015, while one in eight motorists admitted feeling affected by prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies such as hay fever tablets.

To help motorists stay legal, Shopfta has produced an A2 poster and a pocket-sized drivers’ guide outlining the dos and don’ts of drink and drugs 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 or call 03717 11 11 11 for more information.
 
 
FTA Press Office
01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk