Stockport Council is reminding everyone about the risks associated with driving while on prescription drugs or illegal drugs, a year after enforcement was introduced in England and Wales.
The new law sets legal limits for drivers for blood level of drugs and gives police the power to stop you and implement a ‘field impairment assessment’.
If they think you’re unfit to drive because of taking drugs, you’ll be arrested and will have to take a blood or urine test at a police station.
The Council’s Traffic Services officers will be distributing information leaflets and stickers to a range of outlets across the borough over the next few weeks, including libraries, bars and nightclubs.
Reminders will also be sent out to local pharmacies that some over-the-counter and prescribed medicines can have a negative effect on driving performance.
Although medicines that can impair driving should carry a warning label, only one in six British drivers admit either ignoring warnings not to drive or not checking the label at all, according to road safety charity Brake and Direct Line.
Medical drugs that can impair driving include some cough and cold medicines, anti-inflammatories, anti-histamines, antibiotics, antidepressants, epilepsy drugs and sleeping pills.
Councillor Martin Candler, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Supporting Places, said: “Studies show that drug driving is a major factor in road collusions in the country. If you feel tired or impaired because of a medicine, we urge you to wait until the effects have passed or ask someone else to drive. If you are not sure if your medicine can impair driving, please read the drug’s label or contact your GP.”
Drivers convicted of drug driving offence can receive a 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, plus a fine up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison.
For more information visit www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law.