LOCAL motorists will be among the first in the country to be tested for drug-driving if a pioneering scheme gets the go-ahead.

The new trial initiative was announced by the Chief Constable of Lancashire Police, Pauline Clare when she spoke at the annual dinner of charity group Bury Soroptomists.

Following the nationwide campaign against drink-driving, Mrs Clare, whose force covers Edenfield, said: "Another very closely associated issue is drug-driving, which is becoming a major issue for policing."

Although details have not been finalised it is almost certain Lancashire Police will be one of three forces across the country testing the new device. It will work on the same basis as the breathalyser, and will show whether motorists are driving under the influence of drugs.

The hand-held road-side device will work by taking a sample of sweat from the brow of the individual which is then placed in a test-tube to be tested for drugs in the system. The device will test both prescribed and illegal drugs.

Mrs Clare said: "I support any piece of legislation that will help prevent injuries and deaths as a result of drinking and driving and I am sure the general public will to."

She added: "Research shows that people who drive and have taken drugs are just as liable to kill or injure people because they are incapable of driving safely.

"Lancashire is to be one of three police forces to test this new device and no doubt the rest of the country will watch the results eagerly," said Mrs Clare.

The other force to test the pilot scheme is Strathclyde, with the third still to be named.

Chief Inspector Ian Bell, Lancashire Police's road safety officer, added: "We would welcome the opportunity to try out the new initiative."

Details of the scheme will be finalised in the next few weeks.

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