Image: D.tec International
The future of roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, has indicated an interest in learning more about technology that can speed up the prosecution of drug driving offenders.
Responding to a question from Andrew Snowden MP in parliament, Ms Greenwood expressed a willingness to learn about the saliva-based system, which is already in use in Australia and France.
Under the system, evidential saliva samples are taken at the roadside from drivers who fail an initial DrugWipe test.
The saliva samples are processed in laboratories within days, potentially allowing prosecutions to be completed in weeks rather than months, according to D.tec International, who supplies the DrugWipe kits to UK police forces.
D.tec International has welcomed the renewed focus on tackling drug driving, describing the existing system, reliant on blood samples for laboratory confirmation after positive roadside tests, as ‘slow and ineffective’.
D.tec says that drivers often remain on the roads for up to six months before prosecution, with some reoffending multiple times during this period.
Recent data shows that 33,020 drivers were convicted of drug driving multiple times in the 11 years up to July 2024. Among them, 3,431 were caught on four or more occasions, while 54 individuals were prosecuted at least ten times.
Ean Lewin, D.tec International managing director, said: “We remain committed to sharing our three decades of expertise in combating drug driving and working collaboratively with policymakers to implement this proven solution.
“We are deeply grateful to Andrew Snowden MP, whose dedication to road safety is evident in his efforts to elevate this critical issue both in parliament and beyond.
“The need for reform has never been clearer. By taking decisive action, we can create safer roads, save lives, and ensure justice is delivered swiftly and effectively. We stand ready to play our part in making this vision a reality.”
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