11:30a.m. 3rd June 2008

A grand total of 77 drivers have tested positive in random roadside drug tests since they were introduced on December 1 last year.

"Among those charged are two drivers who have been detected twice (those matters are before the courts)," Police Minister Judy Spence said.

"Police have conducted more than 5,800 tests across the state and so far one in 75 drivers are testing positive.

"Random roadside drug testing is taking dangerous, drugged-up drivers off our roads.

"Drivers testing positive show the presence of illicit drugs speed, ice, ecstasy or cannabis in their systems.

"The 77 positive samples have all been sent to Queensland Health Laboratory for legal confirmation, with all samples tested so far confirmed as positive.

"31 matters are now currently before the courts, and a further nine offenders have already been found guilty of drug driving.

"Offenders are facing tough penalties for their reckless behaviour."

In January this year, a Brisbane Magistrate fined a male driver $300, disqualified him from driving for two months and placed him on six months probation - after the man pleaded guilty to drug driving.

Another male driver who pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court in March, was dealt a hefty $1000 fine and disqualified from driving for six months.

"When ordering punishments, the courts are taking into account the offender's history, and other circumstances surrounding the individual case," Ms Spence said.

"These penalties serve as a strong warning to all drivers - we take a zero-tolerance approach to driving under the influence of illicit drugs.

"Drugs significantly affect motorists' skills and reaction times, hindering the functions they require to drive safely.

"We are determined to catch these people who are a menace on our roads."

The Roadside Drug Testing Unit has conducted 33 operations with regional police in the past six months.

The operations have targeted a range of traffic areas, in metropolitan Brisbane and the Gold Coast, regional areas like Millmerran, Toowomba, Gin Gin and Maryborough, and in North Queensland tourist spots like Proserpine and Airlie Beach.

"The message is clear - drivers can be drug tested by police in any part of Queensland, and anyone caught breaking the law will face the consequences," Ms Spence said.

What is your reaction to the number of drug drivers who have tested positive so far? Do you support drug tests for drivers?