HC Deb 24 February 1997 vol 291 c48W
Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is taking to make information available to motorists on the effect that(a) prescribed and (b) non-prescribed drugs may have on their driving capability. [169301

Mr. Bowis

We give advice under the 'Highway Code' which statesYou MUST NOT drive under the influence of drugs or medicines. When taking prescribed medicines, ask your doctor if it is safe to drive. When taking other medicines, ask a pharmacist".

Drivers should heed the advice of their doctor or pharmacist and comply with the information provided by the drug company. The packaging of all prescription drugs which affect the central nervous system is required by law to carry warnings advising patients not to drive. For non-prescribed drugs, the only products likely to affect driving capability in recommended doses are anti-histamines and the packaging is labelled accordingly in these cases.

We shall consider any further action in the light of findings from the survey of drugs in road fatalities that we are currently undertaking.