A NATIONWIDE roll-out of a new “drugalyser” in Scotland is aiming to tackle drug driving as part of the Scottish Government’s “zero tolerance” approach.

The drug detection kit will instantly test drivers for cocaine and cannabis through their saliva.

Previously, officers faced waits which could last for several hours for a doctor to do a test, meaning those just over the limit could potentially drop below it during the delay.

PC Aileen Walker said: “At least 80% of all drug users ingest a combination of drugs and most of them use cannabis or cocaine.

“These roadside tests give us the power to immediately instruct a medical professional to take a blood sample, instead of waiting for the driver to be assessed by a doctor first, as is current practice.

“It can sometimes take several hours for a doctor to attend and then a sample to be taken, meaning that someone who is just over the limit can drop below the limit during the delay. This equipment speeds up the whole process and reduces the chances of that happening.”

New legislation will be introduced along with the kits on October 21, which follows the 2014 move to cut the drink-drive limit.

It is currently illegal to drive in Scotland if impaired by prescription drugs or illegal substances.

However, from October it will be an offence to drive under the influence of 17 specific drugs with a legal limit like drink driving – as part of the “zero tolerance” approach.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The introduction of drug driving limits will strengthen the power of Scotland’s police and prosecutors to tackle the minority of drivers who irresponsibly put themselves and other road-users at risk.

“Together with our stringent drink-driving limits, these new laws will ensure that Scotland has the UK’s most robust laws against impaired and unsafe driving.”

Officers will begin training to use the drug testing kits with specialised officers in August.