MOTORISTS prosecuted for driving without due care and attention could escape conviction - if they go back to school!

Lancashire Police are launching a new scheme offering offenders the chance to take up a one-and-a-half day course for £100. The aim is to help motorists "break the pattern" of re-offending and prevent accidents.

And if they complete the one-and-a-half day course, the police will halt any action against them.

They believe it is better for drivers to improve their skills behind the wheel rather than be fined and have penalty points put on their licence. Drivers will be expected to attend group discussions about drivers' attitudes, the causes of accidents and brush up on driving techniques.

The course will be run at the Road Safety Centre at Ewood, Blackburn.

Lancashire's accident prevention officer, Inspector Peter Stas said: "Statistics show that drivers involved in blameworthy accidents are likely to be involved in similar ones within three years.

"The course is intended to break the pattern and reduce accidents in future."

The Preston, South Ribble, Chorley and West Lancashire areas will be first to use the course in the New Year, before it is introduced to the rest of the county.

Insp Stas said: "We hope that the scheme will have a positive effect on reducing casualties in the county by raising driving standards.

"We are delighted that the county council's road safety unit is supporting us."

Deputy road safety officer Ken Ashby said: "This is just one of many measures we are adapting to try and achieve the government target of reducing casualties by a third by the year 2000."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.