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Funding for more roadside drug and alcohol tests

Staff WriterJoondalup Times

WA Police have received a State Government funding boost to provide more drug and alcohol roadside tests.

The $7.4 million will allow officers to conduct a record 42,500 drug tests and more than 1.9 million alcohol breath tests in 2019-20.

This represents a five-fold increase on the 7997 roadside drug tests carried out in 2013-14.

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New penalties for drug affected drivers are also being drafted and are expected to be introduced into State Parliament later this year.

Police and Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said driving under the influence of drugs was reckless and irresponsible.

“I don’t want mine or anyone else’s family to have to share the roads with these dangerous drivers,” she said.

“That’s why we are putting fresh resources into tackling the problem and why we will introduce tougher penalties into the Parliament.”

The announcement comes ahead of the implementation of double demerits for the Easter long weekend.

Double demerits are in effect from Thursday, April 18 to Monday, April 22.