Tragic Rochdale case shows why stronger drug-driving laws are urgently needed, says MP
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has said that the tragic death of eight-year-old Blake Clarke shows why the Government must strengthen roadside drug tests and clamp down on drug-drivers as part of its forthcoming Road Safety Strategy.
Speaking in the House of Commons during Road Safety Awareness Week, Mr Waugh raised the case of Blake’s father, Leon Clarke, who took cocaine before crashing his car on the M60 in 2020. Clarke was jailed in 2022 after pleading guilty to causing his son’s death by careless driving while over the drug-driving limit and while uninsured.
Mr Waugh told MPs that the case was a stark reminder of the real-world harm caused by drug-driving and urged ministers to upgrade roadside testing so that police can identify offenders earlier and more effectively.
He asked: “We need to crack down on drug-drivers. Rochdale’s Leon Clarke crashed his car and killed his eight-year-old son while driving under the influence of cocaine. Does the minister agree we need to change the law on roadside drug tests to stamp out this rising menace on our roads?”
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood praised Mr Waugh’s campaigning and confirmed that the Government’s first drug-driving focused THINK! campaign will launch on Monday, with further measures expected in the national Road Safety Strategy.
Following his Commons question, Mr Waugh said:
“Speeding cars and dangerous drivers are some of the biggest concerns people in Rochdale raise with me. Drug-driving destroys lives — as Blake’s tragic case shows all too painfully. We need stronger roadside drug tests so police can get more unsafe drivers off the road before another family suffers a loss like this.”
Mr Waugh has been campaigning for a series of wider reforms, including action on ghost number plates — where Rochdale Trading Standards is leading nationally — tougher penalties for uninsured and hit-and-run drivers, and mandatory eyesight tests for older motorists. He has also met bereaved families through the RoadPeace Learn2Live campaign, as well as police leaders such as Chief Constable Jo Shiner and Commander Kyle Gordon.
He added:
“Every 17 minutes someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. Awareness Week puts a spotlight on the issue, but the reality is that this is happening every week of the year. The Government now has the chance to deliver a Road Safety Strategy that gives police the technology, powers and clarity they need. Our communities in Rochdale want safer streets, and it is time for decisive action.”