‘Well done’... police send thank you letters to decent drivers

POLICE officers have been ridi- culed over a scheme to send complimentary letters to motorists seen driving well.

While road hogs are typically fined, decent drivers in Dorset may receive a letter praising their driving, speed or general behaviour on the road.

PC Heidi Moxam, road casualty reduction officer for Dorset Police, said: ‘Our aim is to create a road-respect culture in Dorset by highlighting the benefits of being more considerate to each other on the road.’ But within hours of the announcement, the ‘stupid’ scheme drew criticism online.

One local commented: ‘What a load of rubbish, surely the testament to good driving is to have a clean record for many years, not some stupid letter through the post.’

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, praised the idea but warned that members of the public needed to see action against anti-social behaviour too. He said: ‘By flipping this idea on its head and promoting good behaviour, Dorset Police could well see some positive changes in how drivers, and all road users, interact with one another. Nevertheless, however you campaign, the need for enforcement will always be necessary.’

Dorset Police said that the full scheme will be launched shortly but did not give a date. Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said: ‘I support the force in taking steps to create a road-respect culture in Dorset.’