Concateno has welcomed Sir Peter North’s recommendations for a ‘step-by-step assault on drug-driving’, and is urging Government to confirm its commitment to improving road safety with the rapid introduction of devices to detect and deter drug drivers.

The North Review was commissioned by the Department for Transport as an independent study. Concateno supports Sir Peter’s call for the earliest possible introduction of drug screening devices to identify those driving under the influence of illegal substances.

Concateno’s drug driving spokesperson, Iain Forcer, commented: “To enable this to happen, the Government will need to set down what devices should be capable of testing and how. Commercial suppliers such as Concateno will need to seek official confirmation that their testing devices fulfil this specification. Only then will police forces be able to adopt such technology to help improve safety on the roads.”

On approval, drug testing devices such as Concateno’s Cozart^® DDS^® – which is already used in several other countries to detect drug driving – could be introduced in police stations as a reliable, fast and easy-to-use check for those suspected of driving under the influence of illegal substances. If positive, this preliminary test would then be followed with a routine blood test (in a screening laboratory) to confirm or rule out the presence of a banned substance. Longer term, oral fluid mobile testing devices could be used at the roadside to determine drug driving, similar to the now widespread breathalyser testing methods used for drink driving.

“Our drug driving experience overseas demonstrates that using innovative and proven screening technology, combined with driver awareness campaigns, is a significant factor in deterring drug drivers and therefore in helping to improve road safety,” explained Iain.

He added: “We are absolutely committed to sharing this experience to help all involved in road safety in this country improve their understanding of the available solutions and how these might support their work.”

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