Mr Matheson pledged to build on Scotland's tough drink-driving limits and existing laws against drug-driving with new curbs against motorists who endanger other road-users by taking the wheel under the influence of drugs.
"This Government prioritised lowering the drink-driving limit in 2014 with evidence showing greater numbers of lives lost on our roads due to drink-driving than drug-driving. With the lower blood-alcohol limit well established, I want to give our law enforcement agencies enhanced powers to tackle drug-driving and so make our roads even safer.
The law today makes it an offence to be in charge of a motor vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs, with the penalties – reserved to Westminster – being a minimum 12-month driving ban, up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to a £5,000. The new offence of driving while above specified drug limits will, when in force, operate alongside the current offence and carry with it the same maximum penalties.
Currently when police suspect drug-driving, they can carry out the roadside 'field impairment test' and if the individual fails this, that provides sufficient evidence to arrest and take the driver back to a police station for further tests. A doctor must certify that the person is, in their opinion, impaired to the extent that they are unfit to drive. A driver can be required to provide a sample for testing for the presence of drugs that would cause impairment to drive.
157 fatal accidents – 24 (13%) fewer than in 2014.
1,417 serious injury accidents – 74 (5%) fewer than in 2014.
6,900 slight injury accidents – 270 (4%) fewer than 2014.
However, ministers are committed to taking further steps, as appropriate to maintain reductions in accidents and make Scotland's roads safer for all.
The Scottish Government will announce in due course the specific limits that will be set for different drug types.