Police today launch a major crackdown on drug-driving after a survey revealed almost one in ten Brighton clubbers has driven while high on drugs.

Revellers pouring into the city this weekend for another round of clubbing, parties and summer hedonism may be stopped and tested as officers attempt to combat what they say is a "significant hidden problem".

A recent survey by Brighton and Hove's Drug and Alcohol Action Team found nine per cent of the 1,407 people questioned had driven under the influence of drugs.

It suggested 17 to 25-year-olds were the most likely to get behind the wheel after taking drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine.

National statistics suggest almost 20 per cent of road accident fatalities have traces of drugs in their system.

The summer-long crackdown, the first of its kind in the city, means Brighton and Hove will become one of the first places in the country to specifically target drug-driving.

Statistics for drug-driving offences in Sussex are not available but the campaign aims to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on the roads of a city widely regarded as the clubbing and entertainment capital of the South Coast.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council's environment committee, said while most drivers were now more responsible about drinking and driving, there appeared to be a very different attitude to drug-driving.

She said: "Driving after taking drugs is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol but many drivers are not aware of the dangers or simply choose to ignore them."

The penalties for drug-driving are the same as for drink-driving. Offenders face up to six months in prison, a £5,000 fine and a driving ban.

Cannabis, which nearly half of all young people in England have admitted using at least once, can impair co-ordination, visual perception and vigilance.

Even though the effects fade after several hours, cannabis can be detected in the blood for up to four weeks.

Brighton and Hove police will be conducting roadside checks around the city during the summer and impairment tests will be conducted on those they suspect may be unfit to drive.

If drivers refuse to take the tests or perform them poorly, they may be arrested and a blood or urine sample taken.

Hundreds of posters will be put up in pubs and clubs and hard-hitting radio and cinema advertisements will be broadcast to raise awareness of the dangers of drug-driving as well as the potential penalties.

Inspector Philip Nicholas said: "Driving under the influence of drugs greatly increases your chance of being involved in a collision. It's also against the law."