A REPORT advocating a tougher approach to irresponsible drivers has been welcomed by campaigners for safer driving in Wyre Forest.

The document produced by the House of Commons select committee on transport has been released in the run-up to church services organised nationwide to remember those who have lost their lives on the roads.

The Kidderminster service, organised by Wyre Forest branch of RoadPeace, will be held at St Ambrose Church on Sunday, November 20.

The select committee report, entitled Traffic Law and its Enforcement, says most crashes are caused by negligent behaviour of motorists and MPs call for a single offence of "causing death or serious injury by negligent driving".

They add such cases should be heard at Crown Court rather than by magistrates to allow a judge to consider their seriousness.

The report recommends higher penalties for careless driving and suggests doubling the current maximum fine of £2,500 as an interim measure before a fundamental overhaul of motoring law.

MPs felt drivers who fail to report crashes should be charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and also expressed serious concern about the two million uninsured drivers who cause many road deaths.

They point out fines in these cases can be as little as £200 - cheaper than insurance.

Peter Picken, a member of Wyre Forest RoadPeace, said: "We must listen to the victims of road crime and face up to the consequences of bad driving.

"It is difficult but we need to find a punishment that reminds everyone of the responsibilities they have when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

"If drivers are unlicensed and uninsured, you have to wonder what regard they have for the law in general. We would welcome any proposals that promote safer driving and force home the message that this kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated because of the immense pain, loss and suffering it causes."

The RoadPeace service in Kidderminster starts at 6.30pm and is open to everyone.

Those who would like the names of road victims remembered in prayers at the service should fill in the coupon below.

RoadPeace Service of Remembrance

I would like............................. ...........................................................................who was a road accident victim on ................................................

to be remembered in prayers at the RoadPeace Service of Remembrance at St Ambrose Church, Kidderminster, on Sunday, November 21 at 6.30pm.

l Please fill in coupon and return to Clive Joyce, Editor, Shuttle/Times and News, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster DY10 2DY by Wednesday, November 17, 2004.