‘Urgent reform’ needed to tackle huge increase in drug-driving reoffenders, say road safety campaigners
January 22, 2026 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
A 134% surge in drug-drive crimes over four years has left families ‘devastated,’ as campaigners demand ‘urgent reform of a broken system’.
Drug-driving reoffending has surged by more than 134% in the past four years, exposing a system that victims and road safety campaigners say is “broken and in need of urgent reform”.
In 2024 alone, 3,193 instances of drug-driving reoffending were recorded – more than 134% higher than the 1,363 offences recorded in 2020 – according to new figures obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Ministry of Justice by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.
Nearly half of all drug-driving offences (44%) are now committed by repeat offenders, as shown by the FOI data. This includes one individual who had 18 previous drink and drug-driving convictions.
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How are drug drivers tested?
When police suspect someone of drug-driving, they can perform roadside tests, such as swabs for cannabis or cocaine, and may conduct physical coordination checks. Anyone who fails these tests can be arrested and taken for blood or urine analysis.
However, long delays of up to six months in processing these tests mean offenders are often allowed to continue driving while waiting for results. Tragically, some have gone on to kill while still legally on the road.
The road safety charity highlighted two cases in which people had been killed by drivers who were allowed behind the wheel while blood samples were being processed. Both times, the tests came back positive.
The UK government has acknowledged these delays in its new Road Safety Strategy, proposing police powers to immediately suspend the licences of drivers suspected of drug-driving. Other ideas include using faster roadside tests, like Australia’s saliva tests, which help resolve cases more quickly.
Public support for change
Drug-driving offences are rising sharply. In 2024, 20,072 people in England and Wales were sentenced for drug-driving, a 143% increase since 2017, according to separate research from IAM RoadSmart. Convictions carry a minimum one-year driving ban, potentially unlimited fines, and up to six months in prison.
A survey of over 2,000 UK motorists found that 82% support giving police the power to suspend licences immediately for those testing positive for drugs, according to research by IAM RoadSmart from August 2025.
Unlike drink-driving, which has a national rehabilitation course for offenders, no such programme exists for drug-drivers, though trial schemes are underway. A study by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) shows that drink-drive courses can cut reoffending risk by up to two and a half times. Campaigners say a similar approach is urgently needed for drug-drivers.
A family’s tragedy
The devastating human cost of drug-driving is painfully clear. IAM RoadSmart highlighted the case of Steven Ward, 62, who was killed just yards from his home in Englefield Green, Surrey, by Samuel Russell, who was more than ten times over the legal drug-drive limit and nearly three times over the drink-drive limit.
Ward’s daughter, Charlie, 31, recalls the moment her life changed forever: “My dad was walking on the pavement just yards from our family home when he was hit and killed by a drug and drink driver. My mum was at home and heard a bang, but thought nothing of it until the police knocked on the door.
“Not having dad around has devastated our family and left a huge hole in our lives. I feel so angry that someone’s stupidity and choices led to this. More needs to be done to stop drug and drink drivers from ruining lives.”
Campaigners and families call for action
William Porter, public affairs and communications manager at IAM RoadSmart Policy, says: “The system for dealing with drug-drivers hasn’t kept pace with the surge in reoffending. Allowing drivers who fail roadside tests to get back behind the wheel shows the system is broken.
“Immediate licence suspension and a drug-drive rehabilitation course are urgently needed. Drug-drivers need support to break the pattern of reoffending, understand the dangers of driving under the influence, and grasp the consequences for themselves and others.”
With lives being lost while the system lags behind, victims, families, and road safety campaigners are urging swift reforms to prevent more tragedies on our roads.
Signs a driver might be under the influence of drugs
Here are some tips for spotting potential drug-driving offenders:
1. Erratic driving patterns
A driver under the influence may swerve, brake or accelerate suddenly, struggle to keep a steady speed, or break traffic rules, such as running red lights, failing to signal, or stopping in unsafe places.
2. Delayed reactions
Those affected by drugs often respond slowly to hazards or traffic lights and may have difficulty merging into traffic or keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.
3. Unusual behaviour
Drivers might over-correct their steering or weave on straight roads, drive too slowly or too fast for the conditions, or show hesitation or confusion at roundabouts or junctions.
4. Physical clues inside the vehicle (if visible and safe to notice)
Signs can include a strong smell of drugs, visible drug paraphernalia, or an unsteady posture behind the wheel.
What should I do if I suspect a drug-driver?
- Do not confront the driver as this can be dangerous.
- Take note of key details such as vehicle make, model, colour, registration/plate number, time and location of the incident, and driving behaviour and direction of travel.
- Call 999 if there’s an immediate danger, or 101 for non-emergencies.
- Keep a safe distance from the car in question – never try to follow too closely.
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