UNION chiefs are trying to put the brakes on tough new measures against ambulance drivers involved in accidents.

The proposals, aimed at improving safety records, could lead to drivers involved in two or more accidents a year undergoing a rigorous driving assess- ment.

Disciplinary action would be taken in every case where Lancashire Ambulance Trust employees' driving and safety performance were "persistently below standard."

But the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel (APAP) today described the policy shift as "draconian."

A spokesman also expressed anger that senior stewards had not yet been consulted about the proposed changes. He said: "All I have heard is that if we have two accidents in a year we will have to undergo a driving test which seems somewhat draconian."

The trust is arguing that all road accidents are preventable, irrespective of blame.

The policy says: "Neither icy roads, bends, hills, narrow roads, the absence of signs or signals, signals out of order, nor carelessness, recklessness or ignorance on the part of other drivers relieves you by any degree of your responsibility to drive without accident."

The APAP spokesman added: "A colleague recently had his vehicle damaged when he was away from it.

"If he has one more accident within the next year I assume he will have to have a driving test."

Trust bosses have promised to allocate "sufficient resources to ensure workers are not exposed to unnecessary risks."

They have also pledged to consult staff groups on the proposals.

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