New drug-drive laws could include legal limit for medication

Motorists taking prescription drugs may face prosecution if proposed changes to the road laws are adopted by the government.

The new rules are intended to deter users of illegal substances from driving, but they may also affect drivers who have taken medication for legitimate reasons.

The recommendation that police be equipped with road side testing equipment for drug use is expected to be made in a report by Sir Peter North. The same document is believed to advise ministers that the drink-drive limit should be reduced from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.