DRIVERS suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to walk a straight line or stand on one leg like they are in the USA to prove they are fit to drive.

Officers of Salisbury traffic department, which covers the whole of Kennet district, this week undertook training to conduct the roadside impairment tests, made legal in changes to the Road Traffic Act last year.

Sgt Daryn Pearce of the southern road policing unit said: "The problem of driving under the influence of drugs has been a growing one that we could not easily detect under previous legislation.

"This change of law gives us the power to act decisively and anyone who thinks they can take drugs and drive must think again about their irresponsible behaviour."