POLICE in four counties are to trial road-side drug testing equipment, after Government research showed that nearly one in five drivers killed in accidents had taken illicit drugs. Forces in Cleveland, Lancashire, Strathclyde and Sussex will test two devices, one which tests sweat wiped from the forehead and another which analyses saliva on drivers. They will be stopped at random, but can choose whether to take the test.

Launching the initiative, roads minister Baroness Hayman said the aim of the voluntary tests was to establish the practicality and efficiency of testing equipment, rather than to discover whether drivers have been taking drugs. Testing will begin in around a month's time. Recent analysis of specimens from 619 people killed in accidents showed that 18% of drivers had taken illicit drugs, 30% alcohol (with 22% over the drink-drive limit) and 4% medicinal drugs.