DRIVERS are being urged to put their skills to the test in a pioneering police scheme aimed to make them more "streetwise".

West Mercia Police has teamed up with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and MG Rover group to raise the standards of driving throughout the two counties in a scheme believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

The Streetwise campaign, inspired by the newest vehicle in the Rover range, aims to encourage people to boost their driving skills with the help of initial free skills assessments and guidance from IAM experts.

"Driving today can be a challenging and stressful experience," said Sgt John Roberts from the Force Operations department.

"For some people, a lack of confidence behind the wheel or in particular types of driving environments, such as motorways, can be an extra hazard, both for them and those around them.

"Motorists can lack confidence for a range of reasons, and we receive regular requests from people who are keen to gain further experience.

Skills

"This initiative is aimed at all drivers, whether newly qualified or experienced, and is designed to improve skills and confidence in driving."

He said last year, a total of 96 people died and 632 were seriously injured on roads in the West Mercia police force area which covers Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

"We believe that by working in partnership with other organisations, we can make a difference and help to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads," he added.

Tony Watt, vice chairman of Worcester Group IAM, said: "We know from regular experience that motorists taking our assessments and courses not only improve their safety, but find increased confidence and enjoyment from the experience."

West Mercia Police is distributing 5,000 leaflets to schools, police stations, libraries and the 12 MG Rover dealerships in the West Mercia force area.

The leaflet is also available from the police website at www.westmercia.police.uk