10 Feb 2017
The Scottish Conservatives are urging the SNP to start tackling the issue of drug-driving in Scotland after falling behind the rest of the UK on this issue.
At a Road Safety Scotland conference, it was announced that since English drug-driving laws came into effect two years ago there had been a four-fold increase in the number of drivers being charged with drug-driving.
Despite the evidence clearly highlighting that the introduction of the legislation saw improvements down south, when asked in yesterday’s First Ministers Questions, the SNP continued to swerve questions on why similar provisions are yet to be introduced in Scotland.
The SNP’s continued dismissal suggests that it is reluctant to utilise English law, which is impeding Scotland’s ability to deal with this serious issue.
Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Douglas Ross said:
“It’s wrong that Scotland is so far behind the curve, compared with the rest of the United Kingdom, on this important issue
“The SNP knows that as a result of the changes in England and Wales, the number of motorists charged with drug driving rose significantly and convictions have improved.
“Those driving under the influence of drugs should not be anywhere near the wheel – they not only put their own safety at risk, but others too.
“The SNP’s sheer stubbornness is preventing Scotland from finding a way to deal with drug-driving in the best possible way. “The evidence already exists that changes in England and Wales have had the desired effect and the SNP must act on this now.”
Scottish legal news article that clarifies the success of the English success of drug-driving laws and Scottish Government plans:
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