A cannabis smoker is one of the first in Medway who has been banned from driving after falling foul of the new drug-driving legislation which was introduced earlier this year.

Brian Maddix, 27, had traces of cannabis in his blood when he was pulled over by officers on Maidstone Road, Chatham, in April.

The new legislation, which was introduced at the beginning of March 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.

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.

Police officers enforce the new legislation using roadside impairment tests, which consist of physical assessments to determine if a driver is fit to be behind the wheel, and also by utilising new drug-testing equipment when needed.

Maddix, of King Street, Gillingham, attracted the attention of officers when he was spotted driving a car which only a female was insured to drive.

He was arrested after officers smelled cannabis and he failed a roadside drug test.

The test was sent for analysis and showed 4.8 micrograms of cannabis in 100ml of blood, above the legal limit of 2 micrograms.

Maddix pleaded guilty to driving while over the drug-driving limit, driving without insurance and driving without a licence when he appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court earlier this month .

He was disqualified from driving for a year and fined £200.

PC Darren Chapman said: “This result goes to show Kent Police is making effective use of the new legislation to target drug drivers on Kent’s roads.

“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.”