POLICE traffic officers in Kent are being trained to identify motorists who have been taking illegal drugs while driving. Traffic sergeant Dave Martin, of Thanet police, said: “People driving under the influence of drugs is harder to spot than those who have been drinking, but it is a very real threat to road safety.

“Our officers are being trained in sobriety testing and they will be better able to recognise identifiable symptoms and signs.”

The clampdown forms part of an increased campaign by the police to target drivers who are unfit to be behind the wheel.

A number of drink-drive blitzes are planned throughout the year, similar to the effective campaign that was held during Christmas and the New Year. Sgt Martin stressed: “We will carry out the same type of high profile operations as the festive period but we will not tell the public when they will take place.”

He said that the main culprits during the festive operation were those who were in their 30s and added: “Younger drivers act very responsibly toward drinking and driving. We also find that the most persistent offenders are those aged between 40 and 60, who tend to cut down on drinking and driving during the festive period but then carry on throughout the rest of the year. Our campaign strategy will certainly find them out in the coming months.”

Police also warn against the effects of over-indulging during the evening and then driving the following day. Sgt Martin said: “The accumulative effect of alcohol and the body’s tolerance to it varies from person to person. It is wise not to drive the next day if you have had a heavy night.”