Forensic science rationing is putting justice at risk, says outgoing regulator

Dr Gillian Tully says lack of capacity is forcing police to limit toxicology tests on suspected drug drivers

Police forces are having to ration forensic toxicology work, especially samples from suspected drug drivers, because there is not enough capacity in the system to handle the volume of work, the outgoing forensic science regulator has said.

Dr Gillian Tully, who steps down from her post after six years on Tuesday, said the service needed to be treated as critical national infrastructure and given the funding and regulatory powers necessary to maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system.