Drugs test vow to Pride visitors

Wonder Woman impersonators took part in the 2005 parade

Police have assured people planning to attend Pride celebrations in Brighton at the weekend they will not be carrying out random drugs testing.

"A rumour circulating in Brighton and Hove suggests that people will automatically be tested for drugs," said a Sussex Police spokesman.

"To set the record straight, this will definitely not be the case."

But officers say they will be looking out for illegal drug activity, particularly cracking down on dealers.

More than 120,000 people attended last year's parade and party, making it the largest ever celebration by the city's gay community.

The vast majority of visitors to Pride 2006 won't be tested for drugs and there will be no random drug tests Police spokesman

Only about a dozen people were arrested for being drunk and disorderly or minor drug offences.

Police said this year they would be using an Ion Track machine which tests a swabbed sample, usually from the palm of a hand, to detect controlled drugs from cannabis to ecstasy and cocaine.

It was unlikely prescription drugs would show up but if they did, questions about medication would be handled discreetly in private.

"Sussex Police will only be searching people who we have strong reason to believe may be in possession of controlled drugs," said the spokesman.

"The vast majority of visitors to Pride 2006 won't be tested for drugs and there will be no random drug tests."

The Pride festival got under way last weekend, with events happening in venues across the city all week.

Business as usual

The Carnival Parade and main event in Preston Park are on Saturday.

The Carnival Parade starts from Madeira Drive at 1100 BST and is expected to read the southern entrance of the park at 1330 BST.

City centre shops and businesses will be open as usual but buses will terminate short of the central area to avoid them becoming caught up in traffic.

London Road, Preston Road, Preston Circus and St James's Street will be closed at various times during the day.

Southbound traffic on the A23 will be diverted.