Concateno Calls for Immediate Introduction of Drug Driving Detection Devices

Company Urges Government to Act on Official Drug Driving Advice From North Review

LONDON, June 18, 2010 - Concateno - Europe's most experienced drug and alcohol testing provider -
has welcomed Sir Peter North CBE QC's recommendations for a 'step-by-step
assault on drug-driving', and is urging Government to confirm its commitment
to improving road safety with the rapid introduction of devices to detect and
deter drug drivers.

The North Review was commissioned by the Department for Transport as an
independent study. The first major evaluation of drink and drug driving law
in 34 years, 16 of its 44 total recommendations relate specifically to drug
driving - a recognised, but still poorly understood, danger on UK roads.

Drawing on its extensive experience in helping to prevent drug driving in
countries overseas, Concateno supports Sir Peter's call for the earliest
possible introduction of drug screening devices to identify those driving
under the influence of illegal substances.

Concateno's drug driving spokesperson, Iain Forcer, commented: "To enable
this to happen, the Government will need to set down what devices should be
capable of testing and how. Commercial suppliers such as Concateno will need
to seek official confirmation that their testing devices fulfil this
specification. Only then will police forces be able to adopt such technology
to help improve safety on the roads."

On approval, drug testing devices such as Concateno's Cozart(R) DDS(R) -
which is already used in several other countries to detect drug driving -
could be introduced in police stations as a reliable, fast and easy-to-use
check for those suspected of driving under the influence of illegal
substances. If positive, this preliminary test would then be followed with a
routine blood test (in a screening laboratory) to confirm or rule out the
presence of a banned substance. Longer term, oral fluid mobile testing
devices could be used at the roadside to determine drug driving, similar to
the now widespread breathalyser testing methods used for drink driving.

"Our drug driving experience overseas demonstrates that using innovative
and proven screening technology, combined with driver awareness campaigns, is
a significant factor in deterring drug drivers and therefore in helping to
improve road safety," explained Iain.

He added: "We are absolutely committed to sharing this experience to help
all involved in road safety in this country improve their understanding of
the available solutions and how these might support their work."

Concateno's Australian experience

Concateno has been providing random roadside drug testing for the
Australian police since 2004. The State of Victoria, which is at the
forefront of the country's road safety initiatives, was the first in the
world to effect a change in legislation and allow random testing - which is
conducted using Concateno's Cozart(R) DDS(R) device. Other Australian states
have subsequently followed, including Queensland, New South Wales, Western
Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

Since the introduction of the roadside testing regime in the State of
Victoria, a clear trend can be seen with nearly a 50 percent reduction in the
numbers of drivers confirmed as positive (1:44 in 2004, compared to 1:76 by
the end of 2008).

"This means that fewer drivers are driving while taking drugs, indicating
that a regime such as the one adopted by Australia is effective in reducing
drug driving and contributing to safer roads. This significant impact has
been due to an effective combination of press and other media awareness
campaigns with an effective, highly visible roadside enforcement process,
centred on a clearly defined offence," explained Iain.

"We welcome Sir Peter North's recognition of the drug driving issue and
the role testing technology has to play in modern policy," said Iain.
"Driving under the influence of drugs is a clear danger for road users today.
It is time now for this Government to act to prevent this problem growing,
and for our police to enforce these changes to ensure our roads are a safer
place to be."

For more information regarding Concateno, please contact: Carrie Lowe or Matt Trace, Telephone: +44(0)1962-893-893, Mobile: +44(0)7554-014-188 / +44(0)7828-663-988, Email: carrie.lowe at concateno.com / matthew.trace at concateno.com