DRIVERS should be forced to take a winter road test, according to a Christmas safety campaign spearheaded by a Burnley woman.

The Learn-2-Live motorway campaign has been set up by Anne Ravenhill, of Brunshaw Avenue, to help reduced the number of horrific road smashes over the festive period.

And her efforts have been backed by her MP Kitty Ussher, who pledged to raise an Early Day Motion on the issue in Westminster.

"Every year without exception we hear of incidents that make our blood turn cold," said Mrs Ravenhill, "and in winter we will be hearing of many crashes on the motorway.

"It seems we have become complacent about this sort of thing. For many new drivers who have taken their training and passed their test in spring and summer, the thought of driving on the motorway in this sort of weather is a terrifying prospect.

"Their experience is limited and they have no idea of how to cope with bad weather driving.

"The campaign is trying to change legislation to require all new drivers to undergo some form of recognised motorway tuition after they have passed their driving test."

The national campaign follows Met Office statistics that reveal Britain faces a 60 per cent chance of severe weather conditions this winter.

And Mrs Ravenhill said even experienced drivers struggle to cope in ice and snow, while many take chances by speeding and over-taking in hazardous conditions.

Mrs Ussher added: "I think most drivers will recall at least some trepidation when they first had to drive on a motorway. That trepidation could certainly be eased by some proper tuition before new drivers are allowed on motorways.

"And it's not just new drivers, the legacy of little or no motorway tuition for the majority of drivers must contribute to the levels of poor lane discipline and sometimes extremely dangerous manoeuvres we all witness."

Her motion states: "This House believes the Department of Transport should acknowledge the need for new newly-qualified drivers to undertake some form of motorway tuition and that urgent action should be taken to address the problems these apprehensive motorway drivers cause in order to secure a higher proficiency of motorway driving and reduce the present motorway accident level."

To learn more about the campaign, visit online at www.learn-2-live.co.uk