A POLICE amnesty on motorway drivers could become permanent, if motorists can remember the advice they were given.

In January, officers announced patrols would pull over motorists committing certain offences and explain what they were doing wrong, rather than giving out fixed penalty fines.

It followed evidence that suggested many people were accidentally misusing fog lights, mobile phones, hard shoulders and the motorway lanes because they were unaware of the laws.

A portion of the 500-plus people given advice can expect a phone call from the police in the next couple of weeks after the amnesty's six-month trial period ended.

They will be asked if the scheme improved their driving and then tested on the laws which were explained to them.

If the feedback is positive, it will be up to Chief Constable Paul Stephenson to decide whether the amnesty becomes permanent.

PC Jon Allwright, who came up with the idea because he believes it is pointless fining people £30 for innocent mistakes, said he thought it had been a success.

He added: "Everybody we have dealt with has been more than happy, given the option of having a fine or summons or being spoken to in a civil manner.

"A lot of people are ignorant about what they can and cannot do.

"Over the next few weeks we will start making the phone calls to test those who have been dealt with.

"In the meantime we will continue with the amnesty until the feedback is in.

"I am confident that it has been a success."

Under the scheme, motorists caught out again after being given advice are still punished.

The scheme fits in with Lancashire Constabulary's problem orientated policing philosophy, which seeks to get to the root cause of issues to prevent them recurring.