Motorists who take medication are being reminded to check with their doctor or pharmacist before getting behind the wheel as part of a Government campaign ahead of the introduction of new legislation on drug driving.

The new law, which comes into effect on March 2, aims to target drivers who risk other people’s lives by driving after taking drugs - but not those taking legitimate medicines that don’t impair their ability to drive.

The THINK! campaign which was launched this month by the Department for Transport is encouraging people on medication who aren’t sure if they are safe to drive to check with their pharmacist or doctor.

Motorists following the advice of a healthcare professional, and whose driving isn’t impaired, can continue to drive as usual and will not be at risk of arrest.

Buckinghamshire County Council has welcomed the initiative and is keen to spread the word to residents across the area.

Councillor Ruth Vigor-Hedderly, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "If you are unsure about the effects of your medication, or how this legislation may affect you, please seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

"If you’re driving and you’re on prescription medicine, it may be helpful for you to keep some evidence of this with you in case you’re stopped by the police.

"If you are taking your medicine as directed and your driving is not impaired, then you are not breaking the law and there is no need to worry."

The new law sets limits for eight drugs commonly associated with illegal use, such as cannabis and cocaine. Eight prescription drugs are also included within the new law. These are: cloanzepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, methadone and morphine.

Limits set for these drugs exceed normal prescribed doses, so most people can drive as normal, so long as they are taking their medicine in accordance with the advice of a healthcare professional and/or as printed in the accompanying leaflet, and their driving is not impaired.

The limits for illegal drugs will be extremely low – one smoke of cannabis will put you over the limit.

The penalties for drug driving are the same as for drink driving. If you are convicted you will receive a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison or both.

For more information on the campaign, go to http://think.direct.gov.uk/drug-driving.html