Driving & Drugs

Bernie174

Bernie174

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Bernie
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Some time ago, there was a thread here about changes to speed limits for van's. Much complaining was done that the changes hadn't been notified to every driver personelly by the DfT.

So, to help everyone out.

There is new legislation regarding driving having taken drugs.

While I its obviously good that people taking controlled drugs can now be tested roadside and disqualified much easier than in the past, the reason I bring the subject up is that the legislation included some specific prescription drugs as well.

This isn't exactly new, you always have been prosecuted (and still can) if your driving is impaired by any drug, prescription or otherwise the new legislation introduces specific levels of drug which is new.
 
Where are the details on which prescription drugs and what levels? This could have consequences for anyone on any regular medication!
 
Here's a link to the levels. But they aren't very helpful

http://www.bp-associates.co.uk/2015/02/drug-driving-roadside-drug-testing-the-new-law/

There is a defence with prescription medicines, that your driving is not affected. But, thats going to be subjective I would guess. So a driver might think his driving is fine, a Police Officer might not agree. There'll be a fair number of charges, appeals and then cases stated I would guess before this settles down.

On thing to note though, that while there are 8 prescription medicines on the list for this new legislation, if you are unfit through ANY drug you can be arrested, no matter what level or type. This new legislation only mandates levels for the drugs mentioned in the above link, so if you are impaired by anything else it does not mean you are alright.
 
Whether it will actually be enforced is another matter. I see numpties yapping on their phones several times a day so how on earth are those that are off their noodles on drugs going to be noticed if their driving isn't sufficiently impaired?
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Police aren't, never have been and never will be omni present. It['ll be enforced, same as mobile offences are, because you don't see it, doesn't mean it's not.
 
Christ they can't even sort out people on phones so this will be another "the law is an arse" carry on.
 
Neil B said:
Christ they can't even sort out people on phones so this will be another "the law is an arse" carry on.
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And how are the police supposed to enforce the phone issue??? Short of putting a copper on every 1 mile stretch of road it will never happen. Someone may use a phone for 10 seconds, so the chances of being spotted are slim.
 
Neil B said:
Christ they can't even sort out people on phones so this will be another "the law is an arse" carry on.
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As Bernie said, just because you don't see people getting pulled over and receiving on the spot fines etc. It doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Laws get broken by people every day, some get caught some don't fact of life, regardless of how many police are about.
 
cambsno said:
And how are the police supposed to enforce the phone issue??? Short of putting a copper on every 1 mile stretch of road it will never happen. Someone may use a phone for 10 seconds, so the chances of being spotted are slim.
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Well we have just had some roadworks set up on my work route and take a wild guess how many are sat on the phone waiting for a green light :rolleyes:

nilagin said:
As Bernie said, just because you don't see people getting pulled over and receiving on the spot fines etc. It doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Laws get broken by people every day, some get caught some don't fact of life, regardless of how many police are about.
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You sir are off with the fairies or are a Cop :meh: :indifferent:
 
Neil B said:
You sir are off with the fairies or are a Cop :meh: :indifferent:
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Neither. People get caught for breaking laws everyday, just because you don't see them get caught doesn't mean it doesn't happen. If you think the police should be doing more, buy a dash cam, record the evidence and pass it onto the police. Police can't be everywhere.
I'm willing to bet you've broken a few motoring laws and never been caught. Yet if you do get pulled over for some "minor indiscretion" you'd be the first to moan they should be out catching real criminals instead of wasting their time on you.
 
Neil B said:
Well we have just had some roadworks set up on my work route and take a wild guess how many are sat on the phone waiting for a green light
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Whilst technically still in charge of a motor vehicle, it's not really a problem if stopped.


Steve.
 
If you don't stop enough of the people doing something illegal then it doesn't deter anyone. My local plod have been concentrating on the uninsured so uninsured driving is falling because many now realise they actually could be stopped and lose their car. They're catching enough and making enough publicity about it that it is changing behaviour.

If you have stop/start and the engine is off and handbrake is on then is it within the legislation that you can and it is ok?
 
nilagin said:
Neither. People get caught for breaking laws everyday, just because you don't see them get caught doesn't mean it doesn't happen. If you think the police should be doing more, buy a dash cam, record the evidence and pass it onto the police. Police can't be everywhere.
I'm willing to bet you've broken a few motoring laws and never been caught. Yet if you do get pulled over for some "minor indiscretion" you'd be the first to moan they should be out catching real criminals instead of wasting their time on you.
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If they refund me my tax that i pay them to do their job, subcontracting out Police work could be a valid point :clap:
 
Christ they can't even sort out people on phones so this will be another "the law is an arse" carry on.
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Strictly speak, thats true. But if you want to pay for a police officer every 1/4 mile with 10 in reserve to replace them while they do the paperwork, while doing nothing else for each of those 1/4 miles then yes, it can be sorted out. You of course wont pay for it, so Police are left having to do what they can with the resources they have. Of course your bee in the bonnet is mobile phone, other peoples have different priorities, so doesn't really matter what Police do, they ain't going to win with everyone.

Moving on.....

Yes, using your mobile in a traffic queue or jam is an offence. It matters not that you are stopped in traffic. If you must use the infernal things, park up, handbrake on, engine off. Or use a hands free, they are currently legal, but don't hold your breath for that to last.

If they refund me my tax that i pay them to do their job, subcontracting out Police work could be a valid point
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Interesting point, crime prevention is everyones responsibility. You currently sub contract that to Police, if it came back to you, you'd only be doing what is your responsibility anyway.
 
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