POLICE in West Yorkshire will be equipped with new equipment from today to detect motorists breaking new laws which set alcohol-style limits for those using both legal and illegal drugs.

The legislation makes it simpler for police to prosecute those driving under the influence of both illegal and legal drugs and the new roadside testing equipment allows officers to take accurate readings, similar to the tests they conduct for drink driving.

Those convicted of drug driving will also face similar sanctions to those prosecuted for drink driving, with a minimum 12 months driving ban.

Cannabis and cocaine are known to be the illegal drugs most frequently used by drivers and the limits have been set deliberately low for each as they can seriously impair the driver's ability.

Some legal drugs are also covered by the legal change, including diazepam and methadone, which can also have a negative effect on driving ability.

The testing kits coming into use today use saliva swabs to test for the presence of drugs, meaning police can arrest the driver if it proves positive.

COMMENT: NEW LAWS ON DRUG-DRIVING ARE WELCOME

Today's legal changes are in addition to the existing offence of driving while unfit through drugs, which has been the routine way for police to deal such offenders in the past.

Inspector Joanne Field, who leads West Yorkshire Police's roads policing unit, welcomed the new legislation.

She said: ‘‘The change in law with set limits for both illegal and some powerful legal drugs makes the process of tackling those who put lives at risk by drug-driving simpler by enabling us to test for the two most common illegal drugs at the roadside.

‘‘The influence that drugs, both illegal and medication prescribed by a doctor, can significantly impair someone's ability to drive and put your life as well as those of other road users in significant danger- just like drink-driving.

‘‘Cannabis and cocaine are the most common illegal drugs used by people who drug-drive and this new legislation increases our ability to identify and arrest people who drive with illegal drugs in their system.

‘‘Because the new law also sets limits for types of legal drugs it's vital that anyone taking prescribed medication reads the instructions carefully and sticks to the prescribed dosage. If you have any concerns regarding the impact any medication may have on your ability to drive, please speak to your doctor before you get behind the wheel.

‘‘A drug-driving conviction will result in a criminal record, a minimum 12 month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and up to 6 months in prison or both. It's not worth the risk.’’

For more information on the new drug-driving legislation can be found at: think.direct.gov.uk/drug-driving