A panel to look at revamping drug-driving laws has been set up following calls from the family of a schoolgirl killed by a driver who was high.

Lillian Groves went to fetch a ball outside her New Addington home in June last year when she was hit and killed by driver John Page.

The 36-year-old was speeding, uninsured and had been smoking cannabis when he ploughed into the 14-year-old at more than 40mph.

Page received a four-month sentence for causing death by careless driving and causing death whilst driving uninsured and a two-year driving ban.

He was released after eight weeks.

Lillian’s family have been calling for a Lillian’s Law which would introduce roadside drugalysers as well as making drug-driving illegal.

Lillian's aunty Michaela Groves said: "Lillian's death has devastated our family.

"It's left a gaping hole that simply cannot be filled. We will never see her grow up into the wonderful woman we know she would have been.

"I'm pleading with drivers young and old to commit to never take drugs and drive.

"It's an atrocious risk that could easily end in death or serious injury."

In response to the family’s campaign, the Department for Transport announced today it was establishing an expert panel to consider the technical aspects of introducing a new offence of driving with an illegal drug in your body.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: "Britain has some of the safest roads in the world but we know how important it is to tackle the menace of drug driving.

"That is why we are putting together a panel of experts to give us advice on the technical aspects of introducing a new offence of driving with an illegal drug in your body.

"The panel will look at how such an offence could be defined as well as considering whether it is possible to set levels for the impairing effects of specific drugs."

It is believed the panel will begin its work in spring.