What assistance is available to local authorities for the promotion of road safety and accident prevention schemes, including Pass Plus sch…

Recently qualified drivers who participate in the Pass Plus scheme pay a fee to driving instructors for an additional course of instruction designed to equip them with additional experience and driving skills in areas such as driving at night and in all weathers.Local authorities receive a block allocation for a range of services, including transport. It is for each local authority to decide spending priorities on road safety, including the promotion of Pass Plus, based on local needs.The Scottish Executive has provided additional resources to local authorities for Safer Routes To School and for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets projects. These total over £21 million over the period 2000-01 to 2003-04.In September 2001 the Executive announced funding of £810,000 over six years for pilot child pedestrian training schemes. Funding is being provided to selected local authorities to enable them to run pilot training schemes for five- to seven-year-old children, with priority being given to schemes in disadvantaged areas.