Pilbara traffic first in WA to get a polydrug positive in Roebourne

A man stopped by police in Roebourne has become the first in WA caught under tough new driving under the influence rules. Pilbara traffic was the first in the State to get a polydrug positive since new laws came into effect on July 1. Under the new offence drivers caught with a mixture of alcohol and drugs in their system will face stricter fines and licence disqualification. Pilbara District traffic co-ordinator Sergeant Ian Morris said the man was stopped on July 4 in Roebourne and returned a 0.08 alcohol reading and tested positive for illicit substances. “The drug test has been sent to Perth for analysis and he will be looking at the charge of driving under both alcohol and drugs,” he said. “Prior to July 1, we could only test for drugs after we tested for alcohol and if you were positive for alcohol, then we couldn’t test for drugs.” Under the new rules, if a driver returns a positive alcohol reading, they will be brought back to the station for an oral swab to test for drugs. Drivers caught drink-drug driving will have their licence disqualified for a minimum of three months and face a fine of up to $1900 for a first offence. Repeat offenders risk mandatory permanent licence disqualification and a fine of up to $11,250. Existing penalties for drink-driving have also increased. Sgt Morris warned drivers may be held up longer when stopped for breath and drug testing “We will do targeted drug testing in bulk,” he said. The new laws have been backed by a multi-media advertising blitz with the “it’s time to sweat” message. “A common effect of illicit drug use is increased sweating, particularly for users of ecstasy and meth,” Road Safety commissioner Adrian Warner said. “Sweating is also a very relatable reaction to fear, which is something felt by many people when they are about to be caught doing something illegal.”