A CAMPAIGN has been launched to counter the rising number of people in Cheshire driving under the influence of drugs.

Research has shown that, although it is against the law, the majority of young drug-using drivers do not think their habit affects their driving.

They also believe they will not be stopped and charged by the police.

But now the Is Your Head Clear to Drive campaign aims to change all that.

The message is that driving under the influence of drugs, whether prescribed medication or illegal substances, is just as dangerous as driving when drunk.

The effects of drug taking can last for hours or even days.

In many areas the police can now carry out roadside tests to help pick up people suspected of being unfit to drive through drugs.

Penalties are the same as for drink driving - a minimum one year driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, and six months jail.

The campaign will target young people at Christmas and into 2007, concentrating on night-time venues.

Tee-shirts, beer mats, posters and postcards bearing the campaign message are now being distributed to nightspots to drive home the message.

The campaign is the result of work undertaken by Cheshire Impaired Driving Group, a multi agency collaboration.