LEGISLATION coming into force today (Monday, March 2) which makes it easier for police to detect and prosecute motorists who drive ‘high’ on drugs has been welcomed by a senior North-East police officer.

The new offence, driving with certain drugs above specified limits, has been introduced to help police catch those who put the lives of others at risk while driving under the influence of drugs.

The law has significantly lowered the acceptable limits of certain drugs in the blood stream and set a legal limit for officers to test people against.

This makes it easier for police because in the past officers had to prove that people were suspected of being unfit to drive through drugs by their demeanour and their manner of driving before they could test them.

This new change makes this process much simpler and will allow officers to identify drug drivers easier.

Chief Inspector John Heckels, from Northumbria Police’s motor patrols unit, said: “A driver under the influence of drugs puts everyone on the roads at risk.

“Drug driving is as serious an issue as drink driving and we will look to identify and take action against anyone who thinks it is acceptable.”

Although the aim is to catch drivers who use recreational drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy, a number of prescription drugs are included within the new law.

Restricted medications include: Clonazepam, Diazepam, Flunitrazepam, Lorazepam, Oxazepam, Temazepam, Methadone and Morphine.

Officers are already trained to look for the signs of drug use when stopping drivers and if stopped a driver may be required to take a roadside test which will indicate whether they have taken drugs.

The test is carried out using specialist roadside kits and involves officers using a saliva-testing device on a driver.

If charged with a drug driving offence the penalties are a minimum of a one year ban, a fine of up to £5,000, the possibility of a prison sentence and a conviction which will stay on a driving licence for 11 years.

Officers will be issued with the kits and from today will be carrying out tests on any motorists suspected of driving while unfit through drugs.

Ch Insp Heckels said: “We are not looking to catch people who take prescribed drugs out, that is not what this new legislation is about.

“It has been introduced to help officers take action against a minority who wrongly think it's acceptable to take drugs and get behind the wheel of their car.”