A MAN has been charged with driving while under the influence of drugs in Largs and failing to restrain a child in the vehicle.

The 26-year-old was charged with the offence on Saturday on the main A78 trunk road in Irvine Road.

As well as the drug driving offence, the man stands accused of not safely or adequately restraining a child in the car.

The charge was one of four drug related arrests during a 'productive month' for local policing, a senior local officer says.

Sgt Sharon Kerr revealed the detections at this month's Largs Community Council meeting.

A 23-year-old was found to be in possession of herbal cannabis in Holehouse Road and also charged in relation to an alleged assault.

On 11 January, in Nelson Street, a 26-year-old man was found in possession of cannabis and on 12 January, a 40-year-old man was arrested for being in possession of 44 tablets believed to be an illegal drug.

A spokesperson for Ayrshire Police Division said: “Our officers will continue to target criminals using the road network for illegal activity and criminal gain.

"The drugs trade has a detrimental effect on our communities.

“Driving whilst impaired further increases the risks to everyone and we are committed to working to reduce the number of casualties on our roads. We urge anyone who has concerns about drug dealing or illegal drivers to contact us.”

Police Scotland can be contacted directly on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

We recently reported that motorists in Largs and Millport are facing roadside drug tests as local police get tough on drug drivers.

A new law has come into effect which allows police to carry out immediate tests using ‘mouth swabs’ for any motorist they suspect of drug driving, or who have been involved in a collision or stopped for a traffic offence.

If the test is positive, drivers will be arrested on the spot.

People are up to three times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a road crash when driving after taking cannabis, rising to 10 times when consuming cocaine.