The Drager 5000 mobile drug testing units were introduced in the Shoalhaven in August.

The units allow police to gain a positive or negative reading on cannabis and methamphetamines.

Between August and November, 249 people tested positive to driving with drugs in their systems.

The charges come from 29 different suburbs.

A total of 114 people issued with court attendance notices for driving with illegal drugs. 

Police are waiting on the results of the other tests.

Shoalhaven Highway Patrol commanding officer, Sergeant Mick Tebbutt said he was surprised by the results.

“It’s a concern,’’ he said.

‘’The positive tests may not mean a driver is impaired, it is just that they have either methamphetamines or cannabis present in their systems.

“People don’t realise how long the drugs stay in their systems.”

Some drivers have tested positive to both cannabis and methamphetamines.

“We are getting all types of people testing  positive, even business people,” Sgt Tebbutt said.

If a driver is considered impaired by drugs they are still taken for blood and urine tests.

“Drug driving tests are now as common as random breath tests and if you drive with drugs in your system, you will get caught,” he said.

Nowra tops the region with 111 arrests, South Nowra 30, Bomaderry 27, Sanctuary Point 21 and Worrigee 9.

The majority of offenders are aged between 25 and 40 with 51 people aged 25-29 charged and 46 charged aged 35-39.

Eight drivers under 20 have been charged.

Meanwhile the oldest was an 81-year-old male, for cannabis.

Drugs such as cannabis and methamphetamines can stay in the users system for days after taking the drugs.