Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what research her Department has commissioned and reviewed on emerging drug-driving testing technologies that are more cost-effective and provide faster processing than oral fluid tests; what steps she is taking to accelerate the adoption of such technologies by police forces; and what guidance and financial support she provides to ensure that police budgets do not limit the frequency of drug-driving testing.

The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed is the responsibility of individual Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners, taking into account local problems and demands. The police are operationally independent.

We will continue to support the police to ensure they have the tools needed to keep road users safe.

Building on the success of the Roads Policing Review, the Department is developing a new Roads Policing Innovation Programme (RPIP), working with key partners in enforcement and compliance, including the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Alongside the recently published Road Safety Strategy, which sets out wider government plans to improve road safety across enforcement, infrastructure, vehicle safety and post‑collision care, this work will help ensure that policing and enforcement activities continue to evolve in line with emerging evidence and priorities.