New driving laws proposals, which could see motorists banned and slapped with a hefty fine for drug use behind the wheel, have been axed in a dramatic U-turn across a popular region.
Plans to introduce strict drug-driving limits in Jersey were withdrawn by Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan this week after growing criticism from campaigners and concerns that the proposals were being rushed, halting progress.
The changes would have given police powers to carry out roadside drug tests and set clear legal limits for substances such as cannabis.
Drivers caught over the limit could have faced serious penalties, including driving bans, fines and even prison. However, the proposals have now been paused before they could be debated this week.
Announcing the decision, Mr Jehan admitted there were still problems to resolve, telling politicians there are "issues which we need to engage in further support the understanding of what is being proposed".
Under the plans, drivers would have committed an offence if they had more than a set level of drugs in their blood. For cannabis, the proposed limit was five micrograms per litre, more than double the current UK limit.
At present, motorists can be prosecuted if they are impaired by drugs, but there is no fixed legal threshold in place across Jersey.
Mr Jehan argued this "creates ambiguity in enforcement" and has made successful prosecutions of the crime "challenging".
The proposals have been shelved following backlash from certain groups
| GETTY/PAThe proposals would also have allowed officers to use roadside testing kits, similar to breathalysers, to detect drug use through saliva or sweat samples.
Under the proposals, drivers found guilty of drug-driving could face tough punishments, including up to 12 months in prison, fines of up to £10,000, and a mandatory driving ban of at least a year.
However, the plans to tighten drug rules quickly sparked backlash, particularly due to concerns they could unfairly affect people using prescribed medication.
Campaign group End Cannabis Prohibition Jersey warned the proposed changes lacked key protections, especially for patients.
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In the UK, drivers found guilty of drug driving could face 12 months in prison
| ESSEX POLICESimon Harrison said one of the biggest problems was the absence of a "legal safeguard that protects drivers who are taking prescribed drugs correctly".
"There isn't a medical defence in the law for those taking medicinal cannabis and who may inadvertently go above the limit even though they are following prescription guidance," he added.
The campaigner pointed out that similar protections already exist in the UK and Guernsey, but were missing from the Jersey proposals.
The group also argued that the law was being pushed through too quickly without enough evidence or explanation. After the U-turn was announced, Mr Harrison welcomed the decision, stating it was a "phenomenal relief".
The number of drug driving incidents has increased massively in recent years | GETTY"There were massive concerns that the patient community in particular had around the lack of a statutory medical defence in the draft law," he said.
Campaigners had previously feared their concerns were being ignored, although campaigners could now "breathe a sigh of relief".
Despite the setback, the issue is far from over as ministers are still expected to revisit the plans in the future, possibly with changes to address the concerns raised.
"Obviously, this isn't the end," Mr Harrison said. "The proposition will return, but we hope that our concerns will have been taken on board."
In the meantime, the Government insisted it remained committed to tackling drug-driving and improving road safety.