CIVIC chiefs have praised a Winchester college safe-driving programme.

Winchester MP Steve Brine and Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes visited Sparsholt College last month to learn about its Under-17 Car Club.

Motor vehicle students have free access to the college’s Ford Fiesta dual control car and, in conjunction with the club, are planning to offer intensive driving sessions later this year.

The students only drive the vehicle on Sparsholt College property, away from public roads and only with a lecturer.

Mr Brine said: “This is a really impressive project and once again I am delighted that Sparsholt is really leading the way here. In short, it’s about getting pre-drivers into a car in 100% safe off-road conditions and getting them used to the vehicle before they even consider applying for a provisional licence.

“I know that there is real evidence that accident rates are dramatically reduced, as are the all important insurance costs, which we all know are extremely high for young drivers.”

In July the college will offer an under-17 pathfinder driving course to all students which is a five-day programme including tutorials from experienced motorists from the military or emergency services.

Lecturer Dave Andrews added: “We are a rurally based college and although we already have safe driving tutorials we are keen to support the Under 17 Car Club. Those who attend this club are four times safer on the roads and any of our students who attend the July Pathfinder session will hugely benefit from the course which we hope will make them safer on the roads.”

For more details visit sparsholt.ac.uk or call 01962 776441.