SWINDON police say hand-held detectors would be a massive breakthrough in the fight against drug-driving.

Officers hope the electronic drugalysers which could be introduced next year will have the same impact as breathalysers did on drink-driving.

Machines will test saliva from motorists suspected of taking drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy.

Insp Wayne Smith, of Swindon traffic police, would welcome the move as some motorists killed in road accidents in the area had later tested positive for drugs. "We don't have anything like this at the moment but I think it will be at least another year before we get them," he said.

"Drug-driving is as dangerous as drink-driving."

Insp Smith hopes the kit will replace the current imprecise system of physical and mental tests.

"It is easy to detect if someone is spaced out and if we suspect somebody has taken drugs we have the power to arrest them and have blood samples taken," he said.

"They are then usually bailed while we wait for the result. A detector will make it easier and quicker to analyse for drugs.

"I would like to think that both the drink-driving and drug detectors are incorporated in one device because I wouldn't like to have to say blow into this and then blow into this.

"It would be nice if everything was done in one blow."

Swindon officers are currently being trained up to carry out impairment tests on suspected drug-drivers. During the test police have to note the size of a motorist's pupils, check their balance and ask them to walk in a straight line, turn and walk back, counting each step out loud.

A driver will also be asked to stand on one leg and touch the tip of their nose with a finger.

As well as recreational drugs, tests will cover prescription drugs, medicines and over-the-counter preparations. The penalty for driving under the influence of drugs includes a maximum fine of £5,000, disqualification and up to six months in prison.

Influencing opinion

WILTSHIRE police will begin a drink and drug enforcement campaign next week.

The force will be working with the European Traffic Police Network on the initiative which will run from June 6 to June 12. The aim is to raise awareness of driver impairment through drink and drugs.

Police say that over the past three years 14 people have been killed or seriously injured in collisions where excess alcohol was a factor in North and West Wiltshire and a further 77 were injured where alcohol was involved.

Officers from the central road policing unit will be carrying out high-visibility checks throughout the county.

PC Barney Appleton, traffic management officer at the unit, said the campaign was to raise awareness to the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and to increase the perception that the chances of being caught when driving under the influence in Wiltshire are high.

Ben Payne