TEN people have been arrested in Lancashire on suspicion of drug-driving since new laws came into place in March.

New figures obtained by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) showed that 902 drivers had been apprehended in England and Wales after new limits on a host of drugs were enforced on March 2.

Lancashire police said they were 'already seeing results' and would continue to crack down on those who ignored the recent changes.

The IAM, which requested the statistics through the Freedom of Information Act, said drugs could be a factor in as many as 200 deaths every year.

The organisation questioned why there was such disparity between the number of arrests in different regions: the Metropolitan police made the most, with 214, while forces in Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Gwent made none.

Chief executive Sarah Sillars said: "I am sure the majority of law-abiding drivers would like to know why there is such a variation in the data we have received from police forces. It would be unfortunate if some people got the idea that some areas are softer on drug-driving than others.

"It is very clear from our survey that the new drug-driving law has just scratched the surface of a much bigger issue. It would seem Sir Peter North has been proved correct when he said there is a significant drug-driving problem which is out of all proportion to the number of accidents reported to the police.

"We are delighted that the legislation has been introduced and people are being caught."

The new legislation set limits at very low levels for eight illegal substances and eight prescription drugs, including diazepam, methadone and morphine.

Officers are now able to use a 'drugalyser' to screen for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside and test for ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at police stations.

A spokesman for Lancashire police said: "The new legislation gives specific limits for 16 drugs in the body in a similar way to the drink-driving legislation and we are already seeing results after using it as a new tool in our efforts to target people who get behind the wheel when not fit to drive through drugs.

"Those who think they can get away with taking drugs and driving a vehicle should know that we will find them."