Ten drivers have lost their licences in six days under a new Traffic Police measure allowing for immediate revocation when a driver tests positive for drugs or alcohol, police said.
The decision was taken on Holy Thursday after it was found that dozens of drivers were getting behind the wheel having previously used drugs, consumed alcohol or both, posing a danger to themselves and other road users.
The power to revoke licences was granted to police by the Minister of Transport following findings that many collisions are caused by drug or alcohol use.
Revocations take effect immediately. The Department of Road Transport is notified so the decision is registered in its systems, and any driver caught behind the wheel while disqualified will be referred to court.
Drivers who test positive for drugs lose their licence on the spot. Getting it back is not straightforward: they must produce a medical certificate confirming they are clear of drugs and undergo a Medical Council examination confirming they are fit to drive.
For alcohol, whether a licence is revoked depends on the reading. The legal limit is 22mg. A reading above 72mg is treated as a first offence, with a second offence resulting in immediate revocation. For new drivers, professional drivers and elderly drivers, the threshold is lower: immediate revocation applies if the reading exceeds 9mg.
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