MOTORISTS are being warned about the dangers of drug-driving after arrests for this offence more than doubled last year.

Figures from Merseyside Police out this week show that 325 arrests for drug-driving were made last year, compared to 110 the previous year.

The offence carries the same punishment as drink-drinking which, if convicted can be a minimum of a 12-month driving ban, a criminal record and a hefty fine or up to six months in prison or both.

Sergeant Paul Mountford from Merseyside Police's Roads Policing Unit, said: "In the same way that drink driving can affect you.

"Driving while under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and can affect your driving skills in a number of ways."

On March 2 last year, the drug driving law changed and now includes seventeen legal and illegal drugs are covered by the law, including cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine.

The limits for all illegal drugs are extremely low and taking even a very small amount of an illegal drug could put you over the limit.

Sergeant Mountford continued: "You don't have to be on illegal drugs to be impaired to drive – prescription or over-the-counter medicines can also impair your ability to drive.

"If you're taking medicines, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional before driving.

The figures show 66 of the drug-drive arrests were in December.

Drugs were detected in 98% of the samples submitted to the forensic labs last year and a total of 73% of drivers were prosecuted.

Sgt Mountford finished: "Our advice would be - do not drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy, unable to concentrate or make decisions, or if you have blurred or double vision and do not accept a lift from a driver you know has taken drugs."

Sgt Mountford will also be taking part in an interactive Twitter session on Wednesday, February 10 from 6pm-8pm.

Ask a question about drug driving or roads policing by following @MerseyPolice and using the hashtag #AskPaul