MORE bad drivers will be sent to driving awareness courses rather than given points on their licences, according to a new plan from West Mercia's police and crime commissioner.

John Campion also says he wants to see more speedwatch groups and officers and staff being better trained to support victims and their families.

The ideas are part of an approach Mr Campion has published for tackling the number of people dying on roads in the region.

The report is based on 2018 figures which show there were 2,427 crashes in West Mercia resulting in casualties of which 53 were fatal and 461 were seriously injured.

West Mercia has bucked the national trend over the past four years with a 23 per cent decrease in road deaths - although there was a 32.5 per cent increase in people killed on local roads in 2018.

The plan focuses on three key themes: reducing the number of people killed or injured through prevention, increased enforcement and offender rehabilitation and victim support.

READ MORE: "a slap on the wrist" - shopowner's response to teen vandal punishment

Mr Campion’s report says that, of the participants in a National Speed Awareness Course, only five per cent reoffended after six months. And he has promised funding will be allocated to deliver these projects.

Mr Campion said: “Road safety is a key priority and I remain committed to ensuring that together we find a way to make our roads safer. Whilst there is some great work already being done around enforcement and raising general awareness, there is always more to be done. This strategy ties everything together and sets out my vision for delivering a more effective response.

"It also outlines how I will deliver on my responsibilities as Commissioner within policing, as well as how I will work with partners locally and nationally to embed a whole-system approach. I welcome people’s views so this important document can be shaped by those that are using West Mercia’s roads.”

Members of the public are encouraged to give their views on the plans.

To take part in the consultation, visit: https://www.surveygizmo.eu/s3/90214147/Road-Safety-Strategy-Consultation.

The consultation closes on Friday, May 15.