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<p> </p><p>The Government published the summary of responses to the consultations
on its proposed drugs and limits to be specified in regulations on 27 March 2014,
which is available at:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/drug-driving-proposed-regulations"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/consultations/drug-driving-proposed-regulations</a>.
Copies have also been placed in the libraries of the House.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>
</p><p>The new offence includes a statutory defence for any driver who may have a
specified drug in their body over the specified limit if they have been lawfully prescribed
it and have taken it in accordance with the advice of a healthcare professional.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The consultation response also sets out further action which
the Government proposes to take in relation to those patients who may be driving after
being prescribed or supplied medicines that include the controlled drugs we propose
to specify in forthcoming regulations. This action includes amending Patient Information
Leaflets and the Summary of Product Characteristics for medicines which are affected;
asking the DVLA to inform patients who report medical conditions to them of the new
offence, where the patients may be affected; providing guidance to healthcare professionals
and patient groups on the new offence; and writing to the National Roads Policing
lead for roads policing to make them aware of the impact of the offence on patients
taking medication. This will ensure that the delivery of healthcare is not compromised.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The above publication also refers to the evaluation contract
the Government has in place to monitor the effectiveness of the new offence, which
will include if there is any impact on those driving on affected medicines.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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