CUMBRIA police will on Wednesday begin targeting motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs over the Christmas period.

Alongside the usual breath tests to identify drivers over the alcohol limit, officers will also conduct Field Impairment Tests (FIT tests) at the roadside to test motorists for illegal drugs.

The FIT test is based on an observation of impairment, rather than a biological test. Police use five field impairment tests which are simple to complete if the person is not affected by any substance – but difficult if they are.

The FIT test consists of the following five tests: L The ‘Pupil Measure Test’ examines the driver's eye pupil size, condition and reaction to light. Cannabis causes the blood vessels in the eyes to become larger, so police will notice a bloodshot appearance. Taking ecstasy significantly enlarges the size of pupils and the short-term physiological effects of cocaine include constricted blood vessels and enlarged pupils.

LThe ‘Romberg Test’ assesses the subject’s balance and judgement of time by asking them to tilt their head back slightly, close their eyes and estimate the passage of 30 seconds.

LThe ‘Walk and Turn Test’ sees the motorist walk heel to toe along a straight line, counting their steps out loud and looking at their feet while doing so.

LThe ‘One Leg Stand Test’ asks the driver to stand on one leg while counting out loud.

LThe ‘Finger to Nose Test’ sees the subject tilt their head backwards slightly with the eyes closed, then touch the tip of their nose with the tip of their finger.

“Drug driving is just as dangerous as drink driving and will not be tolerated in Cumbria,” said Inspector Paul Madden from Cumbria Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit. “Drug drivers can suffer from slower reaction times, erratic and aggressive behaviour, an inability to concentrate properly, nausea, hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia, tremors, dizziness and fatigue.