North Shropshire drug-driving arrests rocket
The number of people convicted of driving under the influence of drugs in the north Shropshire has quadrupled last year, new figures have revealed.
West Mercia Police has revealed that 13 people were convicted of offences in Oswestry, Ellesmere, Whitchurch and Wem between October 2015 and September this year.
There were three convictions for drug-driving offences in the same areas between October 2014 and September last year.
New legislation was brought in covering legal driving limits for 17 illegal and prescription drugs in March last year.
Under the old laws, police had to show driving was impaired by drugs to prosecute.
In March 2015, new drug driving laws in England and Wales made it a specific offence to drive after having certain drugs above prescribed levels.
Those caught face a minimum 12-month driving ban, up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a criminal record.
The figures were revealed following a Freedom of Information request.
