THE Institute of Advanced Motorists has called for the new Government to introduce nationwide Driver Improvement Schemes in place of penalty points for drivers involved in some minor traffic offences. The call comes following suggestions that compulsory driver training should be introduced for all company car drivers in Britain and IAM chief examiner Bryan Lunn said both issues formed part of a wider need to educate all drivers, particularly those who cover high mileages.

Lunn said: 'When people take the driving test they have not learnt how to drive, but how to pass the test. I would advocate further driver training for everyone, including company car drivers because of the miles they cover. Ideally it would be compulsory, but the logistics would be very difficult.'

He believes Driver Improvement Schemes would be a productive way to deal with motorists who commit minor traffic offences such as speeding or jumping red lights in cases where no damage or physical injury is caused.