Drug-driving test doubts

Police are using US-style tactics

A senior police surgeon has expressed doubts about a new drug driving test scheme being used by Scottish police forces.

The American-style impairment tests involve officers asking motorists to perform physical challenges if they suspect the drivers are under the influence of drugs.

In the field impairment tests, drivers are asked to walk in a straight line, or touch the tip of their nose with their eyes closed.

Dr Katherine Morrison: "Hopeless"

If they are incapable they are taken to a police station for a blood or urine test.

And if they fail that, they are charged.

But some police surgeons have told BBC Scotland's Frontline programme that the tests are unscientific and unfair.

Dr Katherine Morrison, who has 17 years' experience with Strathclyde Police, described the tests as "hopeless".

She said: "It's completely possible that someone who is completely normal can fail these tests.

"That can be because they've not got great balance, because they cannot tell their right from their left and simply because some of the tests are just too difficult."

But senior officers say that, before the tests were introduced, they had an 85% hit rate confirming drugs had been taken, and now it is 97%.

It is hoped new developments, like saliva tests, will in time give police the means to crack down on those who get behind the wheel after taking drugs.