Surrey Police’s Vanguard Road Safety team conducts regular patrols to deter and apprehend drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs. A recent operation in Guildford, Surrey, provides a stark illustration of how these checks work – and the often-delayed consequences for offenders. The reality is that enforcement is selective, and the legal system lags behind the speed of drug use.
The Roadside Encounter: Detection and Initial Response
The police target drivers exhibiting signs of impairment, such as a strong cannabis odor within the vehicle or visible drug paraphernalia. Legal thresholds for THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, are set at two micrograms per litre of blood. Roadside tests, completed in roughly eight minutes, can also detect cocaine, though the example case focused solely on cannabis.
Drivers testing positive are immediately handcuffed and detained in public view as a deterrent. This immediate action is followed by a more comprehensive blood test at the station, which can detect a wider range of substances – including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, and heroin – even days after consumption. The system is designed to catch users regardless of how long ago the drug was consumed.
The Delayed Justice System: Uncertainty and Consequences
Here’s where the system breaks down: blood test results can take up to four months to return. This leaves drivers in limbo, potentially continuing to drive while awaiting confirmation of their guilt. If positive, a court file is prepared, and a trial is scheduled. Conviction leads to a minimum 12-month driving ban, unlimited fines tied to income, and a criminal record. The financial repercussions extend to soaring insurance premiums.
The penalties for drink driving are identical, meaning even casual offenders face severe consequences. The system isn’t just punitive; it’s designed to make driving under the influence financially unsustainable.
Selective Enforcement and Admission of Use
Interestingly, the patrols also encounter drivers who readily admit to recent drug use. One young mother confessed to smoking cannabis the day prior, yet tested negative. This highlights a key problem: many users openly acknowledge their habit without fully understanding the legal implications. The officer, however, had sufficient grounds to test regardless, underlining the arbitrary nature of enforcement.
The delayed justice system and selective enforcement create a situation where drivers can continue operating under the influence for months before facing consequences. This underscores the need for faster testing procedures and more consistent application of the law.
The takeaway? Police are actively targeting impaired drivers, but the legal system’s slow pace undermines its effectiveness. Drug and drink driving remains a serious risk, with significant financial and legal penalties for those caught – eventually.
