A CHESHIRE MP inspired by the success of the Advertiser's Lillian's Law campaign has proposed further changes to the government's approach to drug-driving.
Graham Evans, MP for Weaver Vale, has brought forward a Private Member's Bill which would mean anyone arrested or charged with driving under the influence of a Class A drug would be assessed then recommended treatment.
It follows a new drug-driving offence prompted by Lillian's Law, a campaign led by the family of 14-year-old Lillian Groves from New Addington, who was knocked down and killed outside her house in June 2010 by a driver who had taken cannabis.
The family and the Advertiser joined forces and, with the help of Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell, convinced Prime Minister David Cameron that action needed to be taken.
He agreed to bring the law in line with drink-driving, making it an offence to drive with more than a specified levels of certain substances in your blood.
The changes were included in the Crime and Courts Act which achieved Royal Assent in May.
Mr Evans told the Advertiser that the success of Lillian's Law has proved there is political will to tackle drug-driving.
Mr Evans said: "It is through the tireless work of people like Lillian Groves family and Gavin Barwell that the dangers of drug driving have risen to the top of the political agenda.
"This Bill is about breaking a cycle of behaviour and doing more to ensure those convicted of driving while on Class A drugs receive help in the same way as those who drink-drive.
"I hope it will take the opportunity to intervene at the first instance to make people aware that drug-driving is unacceptable."
Mr Barwell said: "I am delighted that Graham has chosen to take such an important issue forward as his Private Member's Bill.
"The dedication of the Groves family, whose efforts to ensure other families don't have to go through what they have experienced, has been inspirational during my time working on their campaign.
"If successful, this Bill will help keep attention focused on the dangers of drug driving as the Government works towards new legislation.
"Driving under the influence of drugs is under-recognised as a cause of death on our roads, and it is time we made it as unacceptable as drink driving."
The Drug Driving (Assessment of Drug Misuse) Bill was formally announced in the House of Commons today (Wednesday) and will have its second reading in October.
While the framework of the new drug-driving law has been confirmed, new legislation is required to determine the levels and substances covered.
