NEW regulations to clamp down on drug-driving – known as Lillian’s Law – following the death of a teenager in 2010 have been welcomed.

Drivers now face prosecution if they exceed limits set for the presence of eight illegal drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, and eight prescription drugs after the law came into force earlier this week.

Police will be able to use ‘drugalyser’ devices at the roadside.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland who agreed with ministers that the regulations will save lives.

He said: “This is a welcome change in the law. Up to now it had to be shown that the driving of someone under the influence of drugs had been impaired by their use, but the introduction of a similar regime to drink-driving sends a clear message that drug-driving is not acceptable in our society.”

The new regulations will run alongside the existing law, which prohibits driving while impaired by any drug.

Offenders already face up to a £5,000 fine and six months in prison with a minimum one-year driving ban for breaking the law.

As well as cocaine and cannabis the regulations also ban driving under the influence of some prescription medications, including clonazepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam (also known as rohypnol), lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, methadone and morphine or opiates.

Police equipped with drugalysers will also be able to test for ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at a police station, even if a driver passes the roadside check.

Nicknamed Lillian’s Law, the regulations were brought in after 14-year-old Lillian Groves was killed outside her Croydon home in June 2010. The driver admitted he was high on cannabis at the time and received an eight-month jail term.

Her family have been campaigning for the law since her death.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “This week a new law came into force. Drivers can now be tested by police officers at the side of the road. They face prosecution if they exceed the limits of certain substances – regardless of whether it is shown to impair their driving.

A Government road safety THINK! campaign has also begun.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said the law was “a real step in the right direction.”