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Drug Drivers Beware: New Law Comes Into Force

Police have been given new powers to catch motorists driving under the influence of drugs.

Officers will no longer have to prove a driver was too impaired to be behind the wheel, just that they had an illegal level of substances in their system.

They will be able to prosecute drivers in England and Wales caught exceeding new legal limits for how much of a substance motorists can have in their system while driving.

The levels for the illegal drugs, which include heroin, cocaine and cannabis, virtually mean there will be zero tolerance for drivers apprehended with these substances in their system.

The prescription drugs for which legal levels have been set include morphine, methadone and diazepam. People using these drugs within recommended amounts will not be penalised.

Police will be able to use "drugalysers" to screen for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside.

They will also be able to test for these and other drugs, including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin, at a police station, even if a driver passes the roadside check.

Drivers who test positive will face a criminal record, loss of their licence for at least a year, and a fine of up to £5,000.

Around 200 people are killed on roads each year in Britain because of drug drivers.

Road Safety Minister Robert Goodwill said: "This new law will save lives. We know driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous; it devastates families and ruins lives.

"The Government's message is clear - if you take drugs and drive, you are endangering yourself and others and you risk losing your licence and a conviction."