Gatecrasher Drivers Face Drug Testing

Car-driving clubbers attending this weekend's Gatecrasher festival face being drug tested by cops, following several fatal accidents involving drug driving after the event.

"We have to do something to address the issue of people driving under the influence of drugs and to prevent further tragedies occurring in the future," Inspector Peter Downing told the BBC.

"We're not looking to spoil people's fun- we want them to enjoy themselves, but in a safe environment. We also want them to get home safely from the event."

Up to a dozen officers will be checking whether drivers have dilated pupils and making them carry out various physical co-ordination tests similar to US tests for drink drivers.

5 people have died in car crashes during the last two Gatecrasher raves with the worst incident happening in 2,000 when 20 year old Charlotte Frankham fell asleep at the wheel, as she left the event, causing a collision which killed all four passengers in a Volkswagen Polo. The Grade A student was sentenced to two years in jail after admitted taking 1 ecstasy pill and sleeping for just 4 hours within the preceding 42 hours.

Police also increased their anti-drug activities at Homelands recently, setting up sniffer dog teams as customers entered the arena.

http://www.gatecrasher.com (Turweston, Buckinghamshire, June 22)

http://news.bbc.co.uk
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