Research from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in 2008 suggested that around 1% of all car journeys were made by someone unfit to drive because of drugs, either illicit or medicinal. Across the EU, that translates to more than eight million journeys every day. 

More recent findings (Direct Line Insurance, June 2011) suggest that, in the UK alone, more than 1.2 million motorists have driven under the influence of illegal drugs in the last 12 months.

Different legislation and enforcement regimes are in place across Europe. For example, Belgium introduced roadside saliva testing for drugs late in 2010, while scientists and policymakers in Norway are finalising the details of new drugged driving legislation that will come into effect in 2012.

The experiences from both countries will be shared at the conference, with presentations from Jean-Pierre Blocken, head of the Belgian Police Knowledge Centre, and Norwegian expert Professor Jorg Morland.

As well as focusing on drug driving issues, the conference takes the theme of "The challenges facing road safety". Speakers include: Phil Gormley, chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary and the ACPO lead on road policing; Michael Brown, director of National Highway Transportation Safety in Washington DC and former head of the California Highway Patrol.

TISPOL general secretary Ian Hamill said: 'We know that times are tough and budgets are tight, but we are confident to present an event that promises top quality presentations, an opportunity for discussion on current good practice across roads policing in Europe and a brilliant chance for networking. We have not increased the cost of participating in the conference – as a delegate or exhibitor – for five years. So it really is even better value than ever.'

The standard delegate package to attend costs £225. More details can be found at www.tispol.org/theconference2011