Drivers caught offending could be sent for expert tuition

A pilot scheme in Dumfries and Galloway would see drivers go for an hour's tuition with an advanced motorist.

They would then report back to the procurator fiscal on the young person's driving ability and attitude.

Depending on the contents of the report it could then be decided that there was no need for formal prosecution.

Depute procurator fiscal Lyndsay Hunter said the idea provided an important extension to the range of options.

She said that if prosecution failed to bring about a change in driving behaviour then they needed to consider alternatives.

The scheme will start in the Stewartry area and, if successful, will be rolled out across the region.

'Physical risks'

Insp John Thomson, of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, said the key was to improve driver safety.

"The primary objective of any road policing policy is to reduce crashes," he said.

He said that enforcement and improved road design had a part to play.

"However, we fully appreciate the benefits of heavily investing in driver education and believe that this scheme presents a positive means of reducing the crash rate in our area," he said.

"Experience has demonstrated that there is a significant minority of young drivers who aren't deterred by the physical risks or criminal consequences of high risk driving and it is these drivers that the scheme is aimed at."

The scheme is being funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council.