A Kings Hill man is believed to be one of the first in Kent to be investigated under new drug-driving legislation.

A 23-year-old man was arrested after officers stopped a car in Queens Avenue, Maidstone, on Monday.

They carried out a roadside drugs test after smelling what they believed to be cannabis on the driver.

The man has been bailed until Sunday April 26 pending further enquiries.

New legislation introduced earlier this month means there are now set limits for a number of illegal and prescription drugs, making it easier to prove if somebody has been under the influence while driving.

"While it has always been illegal to drive under the influence of drugs, the new limits will make it easier to prosecute motorists who choose to flout the law" - Chief Inspector Matthew Kendall

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

Kent Police is enforcing the new law using roadside impairment tests, including physical assessments to determine if a driver is fit to be behind the wheel, combined with new drug-testing equipment.

Chief Inspector Matthew Kendall of Kent Police’s roads policing team said: "Officers are now equipped with mobile drug screening devices that allow them to quickly identify the presence of drugs within a driver’s bloodstream.

"While it has always been illegal to drive under the influence of drugs, the new limits will make it easier to prosecute motorists who choose to flout the law.

"Drug-driving is selfish, unnecessary and dangerous to other road-users, and those who decide to take the risk should be aware there is no safe limit.

"Anyone who gets behind the wheel while under the influence can expect to be stopped and brought before the courts."