More teenage drivers choosing course over court

The RoadSafe initiative is supported by police and the probation service

The number of teenagers taking part in a Jersey road safety scheme aimed at diverting them away from criminal justice has increased by more than 50% in less than two years.

A total of 29 young people are taking part in the RoadSafe initiative - up from 19 when it first started 18 months ago.

The course, which is supported by police and the probation service, aims to keep teenagers who have committed a road offence out of court.

Those behind the scheme said the reoffending rate was low.

Chief probation officer Mike Cutland said the programme diverts children away from court

It follows the publication of a government report which found a higher proportion of people in Jersey were injured in road crashes than Britain or many parts of Europe.

Mike Cutland, the chief probation officer, said it was "important to divert children from court".

"We know that if we can help to keep children out of the formal criminal justice process that's a good thing for them," he said.

"It doesn't give them a criminal record and there are other constructive ways of dealing with them.

"Working with them to provide education, working with them to make sure they understand their responsibilities as road users, that's really important and I think it contributes to a safer community as well."

Joao Camara, the Chef de Police, said "nobody wants to criminalise children"

The programme is only for first offenders under the age of 18.

Those behind the scheme said everyone convicted of a motoring offence has to attend a parish hall inquiry where an honorary police officer will decide if there is enough evidence to justify prosecution and whether the matter should proceed to court.

Joao Camara, the Chef de Police, said "nobody wants to criminalise children".

"I think once they've done the course, they fully appreciate how important it is and I'm certainly hoping that they come out a better driver," he said.

Insp Callum O'Connor said education was key to reducing the number of offenders

States of Jersey Police is also supporting the programme.

Insp Callum O'Connor said education was key to reducing the number of offenders.