DRUGS AND DRIVING

Early day motion 412, tabled 16 February 2000 by Lord Beith (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 41 members.

That this House welcomes the publication of the RAC Report on Motoring; notes with concern its finding that five per cent. of motorists admit that they have been driven by a motorist under the influence of an illicit drug, compared with four per cent. who had been driven by a motorist who had consumed more than the legal blood alcohol limit; welcomes the reports that the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions has commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory to undertake some experiments on the effects of cannabis on drivers; believes that there is growing evidence that the use of illicit drugs whilst driving could be more prevalent than that of drink driving; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to undertake a national publicity campaign, as advocated by the RAC Foundation, to warn all motorists about driving whilst using illicit and prescription drugs.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 13, Labour/Co-operative 4, Conservative 2, Independent Labour 1.