Nearly half of drivers tested found positive as Kimmins launches major anti-drug driving campaign

Pictured at the launch of the new anti-drug driving campaign are (L to R) Judith Andrews, DfI and Chair of the Road Safety Strategic Forum, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, PSNI. 

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has unveiled a hard-hitting new advertising campaign after initial roadside testing data revealed that nearly 50% of drivers checked for drugs were positive for cannabis and/or cocaine.

The stark figure comes from a 12-month PSNI DrugWipe pilot, which began in August 2024 and saw specialist road policing and district support officers conduct roadside tests for cannabis and cocaine.

Although the full dataset is still under review, the Department for Infrastructure confirmed that around half of all motorists tested during the pilot failed.

The findings have prompted a renewed government push to confront what officials describe as a growing road safety crisis.

“There is no place for drugs behind the wheel”

The new anti-drug driving campaign aims to raise awareness of what the real life and death consequences can be if someone gets behind the wheel after they have taken drugs.

Launching the new campaign, Minister Kimmins described drug driving as a serious and escalating danger on Northern Ireland’s roads.

She said:

“Driving under the influence of drugs is reckless, dangerous, and completely unacceptable. The campaign challenges behaviours of drug drivers and directly tackles popular beliefs by showcasing consequences of drug driving.

“We must break the mindset for those who think it is ok to take drugs and drive, and this campaign sends a strong message, ‘There is no place for drugs behind the wheel’.

“Road safety is a priority for me and I want to do all I can to ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely. Drug driving is a growing issue and this campaign will run across TV, radio, digital platforms, and outdoor media, with a focus on raising awareness among younger drivers and those most at risk.”

The Minister said that her department had now type-approved DrugWipes, allowing PSNI to deploy the equipment permanently at the roadside.

“Roadside drug testing is a powerful enforcement tool but of course we don’t want it to be necessary, which is why this campaign is so important,” she added.

Kimmins urged the public to amplify road safety messaging:

“Too many lives are being lost and too many families are having their worlds shattered and we must all do everything we can to ensure no one receives that awful news.”

Multi-platform push to target high-risk groups

The new advertising initiative, which will run across television, radio, digital channels and outdoor billboards, forms part of a wider strategy to change behaviour behind the wheel. It includes a strong focus on younger motorists and those statistically most likely to drive under the influence.

The campaign complements other Department for Infrastructure road safety initiatives including:

• School bus safety messaging: www.sharetheroadtozero.com/DriversThinkSafetyWhenPassingBuses

• Be Bold. Be Seen: https://www.sharetheroadtozero.com/be-bold-be-seen

• Shared road safety TV campaign: www.sharetheroadtozero.com/PedestrianSafety

Background: £1.5m boost for road safety advertising

In August 2025, Minister Kimmins confirmed a significant £1.5 million increase to the road safety advertising budget, supporting the Department’s efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Northern Ireland’s roads.

The DrugWipe pilot, approved by the Department for Infrastructure and carried out by PSNI between August 2024 and August 2025, represents the most substantial enforcement measure to date for detecting drug-impaired driving. Officers used roadside devices to check for cannabis and cocaine in addition to existing alcohol tests.

With half of all tested drivers showing traces of drugs, the Department says the findings underline the necessity of robust enforcement and targeted public awareness campaigns.