A NEW scheme funded by West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner has launched today to help make roads safer by addressing the root cause of dangerous driving.

The MORSE initiative brings together the police, fire services, youth support charity YSS and West Mercia's Community Rehabilitation Company to provide support to people who repeatedly commit driving offences and those who are at risk of re-offending.

MORSE aims to minimise the likelihood of repeat offending and reduce the number of victims on West Mercia's roads by addressing the root cause of dangerous driving.

It will target all types of driving offences including speeding, driving under the influence of drink or drugs and dangerous driving.

People will be referred to YSS via West Mercia Police and the Community Rehabilitation Company. The charity's dedicated link workers will then work with the driver and local fire services, alongside substance misuse and counselling agencies, to provide support.

PCC John Campion, who funded the scheme, said: "Too many people are losing their lives on our roads. I am committed to making the roads of West Mercia safer, which is why I am supporting MORSE.

“This initiative will use a joined-up approach to target those most at risk of offending, and ensure they are given the right support to stop this dangerous behaviour from happening again.

"By addressing the root causes, I hope to see MORSE reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads, as well as cutting the number of road traffic offences.”