A new law against drug driving coming into force today has been strongly welcomed by road safety charity Brake, which has been campaigning for the legislation alongside families bereaved by drivers under the influence of drugs.

The law will make it a criminal offence to drive with drugs in your body in England and Wales, removing the need to prove impairment and making it much easier to prosecute drug drivers.

The new law has specified zero-tolerance limits for a range of illegal drugs, and will be enforced with the aid of roadside screening devices.

Those found guilty will face a maximum six month jail sentence, £5,000 fine, and automatic 12 month driving ban.