Pubdate: Mon, 16 Oct 2006
Source: West Australian (Australia)
Copyright: 2006 West Australian Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.thewest.com.au
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495

KOBELKE CONFIDENT OF DRUG-DRIVE TEST SUCCESS

The introduction of random roadside drug testing of WA  drivers 
mid-next year would not be plagued by the  mishaps that hampered its 
rollout in Victoria, Police  Minister John Kobelke said yesterday.

The Drug Driving Bill, which has the support of the  Opposition, will 
be introduced to Parliament this week  and Mr Kobelke has announced a 
target date of July 1,  2007, for BAD buses aE" breath and drug buses.

Drug testing in Victoria in 2004 and 2005 included a  number of false 
positive results and just one of 283  drivers tested positive in the 
first nine days.

Mr Kobelke said yesterday that he was confident WA  would not 
experience similar problems.

"There was a bit of negative reaction when it came in  in Victoria 
and I'm advised that the main reason was  that the police weren't 
properly trained," he said.

Mr Kobelke said testing would initially be restricted  to 
amphetamines, marijuana and ecstasy.

Drivers with a small amount of one of those drugs in  their system 
will be fined $200 and hit with three  demerit points for a first 
offence. Drivers found to be  drug-impaired face a minimum $800 fine 
and sixmonth  driving suspension for a first offence. Repeat 
offenders could be jailed for 18 months.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine