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New rules proposed to tackle drug driving

Jersey Police will have more powers to catch and prosecute drug drivers, under a planned law change.

If agreed by the States Assembly, legal limits and roadside testing will be introduced.

A new drug driving offence will be created, and an enforceable limit set for THC  - the principal psychoactive component of cannabis.

The limit will be five micrograms per litre for regular drivers, and two for drivers of public service vehicles such as buses and taxis.

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan says the current absence of evidential thresholds has made prosecutions difficult.

The existing Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956 enables the prosecution of drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol, but there is no legal definition or limit for drug use.

"This limits the ability of the police to successfully prosecute individuals driving under the influence of drugs, even where impairment is suspected."

Police will get the power to do roadside testing using approved devices, in line with how suspected drink drivers are dealt with.

Ministers will be able to add limits for other drugs as needed in the future.

The new rules will be debated by the States in late March

More from Jersey News from Channel 103

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