Plans to bring in new drug-driving limits will help improve road safety in Scotland, the justice secretary has said.
However, it would have been preferable for all power over the proposed new offence to be given to Holyrood, Kenny MacAskill added.
The UK Government has launched a consultation aimed at making it easier to prosecute drivers who get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs.
A zero-tolerance limit for eight illegal drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD and heroin, is proposed.
Limits would also be set for eight controlled drugs that have widespread medical use but can also affect a person’s ability to drive, such as temazepam, diazepam and methadone.
Mr MacAskill said: “We have already announced our intention to lower the drink-drive limit but we must not lose sight of the problems caused by drug-drivers.
“In line with our approach on drink-driving, it may have been preferable to devolve all responsibility relating to the new drug-driving offence.
“This new offence will help police and prosecutors tackle irresponsible drug-drivers more effectively.”
