A national road safety award has been given to Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans.
Drink driving is something that gains a lot of attention in the press – and rightly so. However, drug driving is an offence of a similar magnitude that can be just as dangerous, if not more so.
Efforts are therefore being made to stamp out the practice. One MP has been recognised for his contribution to the cause – a national road safety award was given to Graham Evans, MP for Weaver Vale, by Brake and Direct Line Group.
The accolade was handed to Mr Evans for his work campaigning for treatment programmes to be used for drug drivers. He introduced the scheme after recognising the need – as part of his former role as a police chief constable – to offer treatment for people repeatedly offending when dependent on drugs.
It was noted that drug users who were caught under the influence of such substances while driving were not being included in drug treatment schemes. Mr Graham summised that further tragedies could therefore be avoided if drug drivers were given the required treatment – and the Drug Driving (Assessment of Drug Misuse) Bill was introduced on June 19th 2013.
Mr Evans said he is delighted to have been nominated as a Parliamentarian of the month, but explained his Private Members' Bill – which was blocked at the second reading stage – is now needed more than ever.
The Bill proposed that it would be an offence for anyone to drive with illegal drugs in their system above a prescribed limit. Despite the setback, Mr Evans is determined to press ahead and have his recommendations put into action.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, said the charity is pleased to endorse Mr Evans' campaign. She stated: "Drug driving is a major killer on our roads, causing needless devastation to families and communities, and we must do everything we can to stop people who take this abhorrent risk.
"Graham has exposed a loophole that means drug drivers are not referred onto assessment and treatment in the same way as other criminals under the influence of drugs."
Posted by Fred Mason