Driving under Influence: Drugs

(asked on 12th October 2026) - View Source

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to make random drug testing mandatory for the drivers of (1) taxi and private hire vehicles, (2) commercial vehicles, and (3) buses and coaches, in light of the number of serious accidents caused by those driving under the influence of drugs.


Answered by
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Portrait
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
This question was answered on 21st October 2026

The Government consulted on proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences between January and May 2026 and is currently analysing the responses received.

The consultation sought views on a range of drink- and drug-driving measures, including whether random breath testing powers, mirroring those in Northern Ireland, should be introduced in England and Wales. It did not specifically consult on making random drug testing mandatory for drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles, commercial vehicles, or buses and coaches.

The Government keeps all road safety policies under review and will continue to consider evidence on measures to improve road safety.

Reticulating Splines