A DEDICATED team of police officers has been set up to target drug-drivers.
Officers will be concentrating on testing drivers they suspect of being high on drugs behind the wheel as part of this year's Christmas drink-driving campaign.
A team of seven officers will be out in Hull every weekend this month to carry out field impairment tests – which show if a driver is under the influence of drugs.
Police believe there are as many drug-drivers on the roads as drink-drivers.
But during last year's campaign, police carried out just ten field impairment tests across the force areas, with no arrests.
PC Keith Ward, Humberside Police's casualty reduction officer for Hull, said: "Historically, we have not performed well with the tests, which is why I want to increase our drug testing.
"Statistics tell us there as many drug-drivers out there as drink-drivers and we need to start concentrating on them.
"We know people are driving while impaired by drugs and we need to tackle that problem."
The team will be conducting field impairment tests on drivers suspected of committing traffic offences and motorists involved in collisions.
The test is currently the only way of assessing whether someone is under the influence of drugs at the roadside and tests co-ordination and balance.
Anyone who fails the test will be arrested and taken to a police station, where blood samples will be taken and tested for substances.
Motorists who are stopped will also be breathalysed to see if they are over the legal alcohol limit.
PC Ward said: "We want to get all impaired drivers – whether that is through drink or drugs – off the road, because they are a danger to other road users. It is not just illegal drugs that can be a problem – many prescription drugs will also impair someone's driving.
"The team will be on the road every weekend on the main routes into Hull, so if people are coming into the city or going home, there is a chance they may be stopped.
"If they are found to be over the alcohol limit, or under the influence of drugs, they will face the consequences."
During the campaign, PC Ward will also be visiting schools or colleges across the city to educate young people about the dangers of drink or drug-driving.
The road safety charity Brake has also launched a campaign urging drivers not to drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel.
Senior campaigns officer Ellen Booth said: "Risking lives by drinking alcohol or taking drugs and driving – even a small amount – is appallingly selfish, reckless and idiotic, and it absolutely shouldn't be a Christmas tradition.
"Everyone can play a role in stamping out drink and drug driving, and the terrible tragedies that result."
