Warning for careless drivers

Offenders could escape jail under the proposals

Motorists in Scotland who are charged with careless driving may be given the chance to take driving lessons rather than face legal penalties.

As many as 3,000 drivers could be affected by the new scheme, which has been jointly announced by Justice Minister Cathy Jamison and Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC.

It will allow procurators fiscal to offer offenders the opportunity to undertake a "driver improvement" course rather than face prosecution.

The National Drivers Improvement Scheme is expected to be in place by April 2004 and will cost drivers who are ordered to take part £129.

If they fail to attend the course, they will face prosecution and a fine, penalty points, or may even lose their licence altogether.

Cathy Jamieson said she hoped the scheme would cure drivers of their "bad habits".

Payment of a fine under the current system doesn't ensure that drivers are any safer when they get back behind the wheel Cathy Jamieson

She said: "The thousands of motorists who are charged with careless driving offences in Scotland each year can currently expect to receive a fine of up to £500 or in some cases even lose their licence.

"But I don't think the current system offers enough of a deterrent for careless drivers to sort out their bad habits.

"Payment of a fine under the current system doesn't ensure that drivers are any safer when they get back behind the wheel.

"Participation in the scheme offers a positive alternative to prosecution and sentence."

'Welcome addition'

Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC said it would offer careless or inconsiderate road users a real opportunity to improve their standard of driving

"With the potential to reduce the risk of reoffending, and increase road safety, the scheme is a particularly welcome addition to the range of alternatives to prosecution available to Procurators Fiscal throughout Scotland," he said.

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen added: "By retraining drivers we can help to improve safety on our roads.

"Road safety is a top priority for the executive and initiatives such as this are key to helping prevent road accidents.

"We are committed to reducing fatal and serious road accidents by 40% by 2010.

"This scheme will help contribute to achieving this target alongside a range of other measures to improve road safety."