Pubdate: Sat, 28 Jul 2012 Source: Telegraph and Argus (UK) Copyright: 2012 Newsquest Media Group Contact: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4627 Author: Jessica Nightingale DRUG TEST BID TO CUT ROAD DEATHS The parents of a 14-year-old girl killed by a speeding driver who had taken cannabis were among the guests at a demonstration in Bradford of new roadside drug testing equipment. Gary Groves, 42, and his wife Natasha, 43, of Croydon, are spearheading a campaign called Lillian's Law, following the tragic death of their daughter Lillian almost two years ago,. The campaign is calling for the introduction of roadside drug testing and tougher sentencing. The family joined senior West Yorkshire police officers and Bradford Council road safety officers yesterday to inspect the Drugalyser equipment developed by Draeger Safety UK. Draeger pioneered the breathalyser when it was introduced in Britain and it is working with Baildon -based Modern Health Systems to get roadside drug testing introduced in the UK. Mrs Groves said: "It's frustrating that we can see these machines but they're not yet in use. It all seems a long time away. We would have liked it in place now but we understand it takes time. We will keep going until Lillian's legacy is reached." Les Vasey, managing director of Modern Health Systems Ltd, said: "Roadside drug testing is already carried out in other European countries, including France, Italy and Germany, so Britain is lagging behind in using the technology now available." The Home Office is conducting trials of the Drugalyser and similar equipment which can detect drugs by analysing saliva. Once approved roadside drug testing could be introduced on British roads within a year. Chief Inspector Neil Hunter, head of traffic policing in West Yorkshire, said: "The seminar on the roadside drug testing equipment was very interesting. It's vital to keep up with new technologies." New legislation announced in the Queen's Speech earlier this year will make it illegal to drive after taking certain drugs. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart