‘Drug-driving epidemic’ in UK amid staggering increase in crimes

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDrug driving offences in England have surpassed drink driving crimes for the first time (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Drug-driving offences in Britain have surpassed drink-driving for the first time, with 30,707 endorsements added to licences in 2025, marking a 28 per cent increase over three years. Conversely, drink-driving endorsements decreased by 17 per cent to 29,981 in the same period, according to data obtained by IAM RoadSmart. Young drivers aged 17-24 are significantly overrepresented, accounting for 18 per cent of all drug-driving endorsements despite comprising only 6 per cent of licence holders. IAM RoadSmart has declared a “drug-driving epidemic” and urged for “radical action”, including giving police powers to immediately suspend licences after a failed roadside drug test. The Department for Transport described the findings as “deeply concerning” and is reviewing penalties and exploring new forensic testing methods as part of its road safety strategy. In fullWarning of ‘drug-driving epidemic’ as offences overtake drink-driving for the first timeMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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