A TEST which will allow gardaí to check for drug driving will be introduced as part of a new Road Traffic Bill, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has said.

It will allow gardaí to ask a motorist to walk a straight line or carry out similar impairment tests. If a garda suspects a motorist is on drugs the motorist will be taken to a Garda station for further testing.

The Minister made the announcement at the Road Safety Authority's annual academic lecture. The theme was the subject of fitness to drive.

Information from An Garda Síochána has shown drug driving is on the rise year after year, particularly driving under the influence of cannabis.

Mr Varadkar said he wanted to "move ahead as quickly as possible with implementing measures that will detect and deter drug driving".