Drug Driving laws making Queensland roads safer: Spence
Published Thursday, 31 January, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister, Judy Spence said the state’s new drug driving laws are taking dangerous drivers off our roads.
“Since the introduction of Random Roadside Drug Testing on 1 December, 2,095 tests have been conducted statewide,” Ms Spence said.
“During these operations, 25 people have returned positive tests at the roadside, and four people have since been charged with driving whilst affected by drugs.
“The remaining positive roadside tests have been sent to the Queensland Health Scientific Services facility, with all but six already confirmed by scientific analysis.
“Police are now commencing proceedings against the drivers.
“The remaining six tests are awaiting scientific confirmation.
“The drugs that have been identified after testing include methylamphetamines, ecstasy and cannabis, with some tests showing multiple drugs in the system."
Ms Spence said she welcomed the first sentencing under the new drug driving laws, handed down in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
“A 42-year-old Windsor man charged with drug driving, received a 2 month license suspension, a $300 fine and a six month probation order,” Ms Spence said.
“This sends a clear message to all drivers that if you take drugs and drive you will be caught and face the penalties.
“We don't want people who are on drugs, putting the lives of other road users at risk - and that is why we introduced random roadside drug testing.
“Police will continue to conduct random testing operations through out the state and people who are caught drug driving will face the consequences.”
Media Contact: 3239 6172
“Since the introduction of Random Roadside Drug Testing on 1 December, 2,095 tests have been conducted statewide,” Ms Spence said.
“During these operations, 25 people have returned positive tests at the roadside, and four people have since been charged with driving whilst affected by drugs.
“The remaining positive roadside tests have been sent to the Queensland Health Scientific Services facility, with all but six already confirmed by scientific analysis.
“Police are now commencing proceedings against the drivers.
“The remaining six tests are awaiting scientific confirmation.
“The drugs that have been identified after testing include methylamphetamines, ecstasy and cannabis, with some tests showing multiple drugs in the system."
Ms Spence said she welcomed the first sentencing under the new drug driving laws, handed down in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
“A 42-year-old Windsor man charged with drug driving, received a 2 month license suspension, a $300 fine and a six month probation order,” Ms Spence said.
“This sends a clear message to all drivers that if you take drugs and drive you will be caught and face the penalties.
“We don't want people who are on drugs, putting the lives of other road users at risk - and that is why we introduced random roadside drug testing.
“Police will continue to conduct random testing operations through out the state and people who are caught drug driving will face the consequences.”
Media Contact: 3239 6172