A LEARNER driver has been disqualified for two years and fined after being stopped drug driving in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Luke Paterson, 32, of Wheeler Way, Malmesbury. pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle over the specified drug limit at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

As well as being disqualified, he was fined £80 and ordered to pay costs.

On the evening of July 22, last year, officers had reason to stop a blue Honda Jazz on Longleaze.

Officers had reason to believe that Paterson was under the influence of drugs and administered a road-side test which returned a positive reading for cannabis.

PC Jonathan Kilburn said: "We can never stress enough how serious driving under the influence of any drugs can be to not only the safety of the person driving but other road users at the time.

“It is one of the fatal four reasons for a collision to result in serious injury or worse, a fatality, as it seriously impairs your judgement of time and distance.

“We urge you not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if under the influence of drugs as we will always look to take action if caught.”

If you are suspicious of someone driving dangerously or under the influence of drugs, then call 101 and give as much information as possible, including the driver's details or description and their car registration.

If you believe that a crime is being committed and somebody is already behind the wheel then call 999.