The state government is losing more than $150 for each driver who tests positive for drugs such as ‘ice’, according to police.
A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed that it cost about $600 to process each drug-positive driver, while the fine for drug driving was $443.
Sergeant Jason Van Doren, of the Hobsons Bay highway patrol, said he believed the fine should be increased.
“It should cover those costs – why shouldn’t it? They’re the people who are putting the burden on society by driving around drugged,” he said.
“Every time we do a drug test, we don’t get a result all of the time, so we’re probably even losing more money.”
On Wednesday, the government announced $4.5 million in new funding from the Traffic Accident Commission to catch people driving while under the influence of illicit drugs such as ice.
Police Minister Kim Wells said the number of drivers drug tested would more than double to 100,000 during a 12-month campaign.
“We know the prevalence of ice in our society is contributing to deaths on our roads – 26 per cent of all fatalities last year involved drivers who tested positive to drugs,” he said.
“Thirty nine drivers who were killed in road accidents had cannabis, ecstasy or methamphetamine, including ice, in their system … just as horrifying is that 24 people were killed and another 121 people were injured by drivers who returned a positive drug test.”
His spokesman, Michael Bennett, said each roadside drug-testing kit cost $40.
“With the doubling to more than 100,000 tests for the coming year, it is anticipated that the cost per kit may decrease as the number ordered increases,” he said.
But two more tests must be done after the preliminary roadside test, bringing the total cost to $600. If the results are all positive, drivers are fined $443 and lose their licence for three months.
A drink driver with a reading of .14 receives a $627 fine and loses their licence for 14 months. Exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h or more carries a $738 penalty, eight demerit points and 12-month licence suspension.
