POLICE in Dorset are introducing a new scheme to encourage drivers to be respectful to one another on the roads.

The Road Respect initiative will see offices highlight good behaviour and driving from motorists across the county through the use of positive messages in the post.

Police chiefs say the scheme will aim to promote a behaviour change among road users.

Police Constable Heidi Moxam, Road Casualty Reduction Officer for Dorset, said: “Our aim is to create a road respect culture in Dorset by highlighting the benefits of being more considerate to each other on the road and, ultimately, reducing those killed and seriously injured."

Charities have backed the concept saying it would "promote good behaviour" but warned that "enforcement should always be necessary".

Mike Bristow, of road safety charity Brake, said: “We applaud the efforts of Dorset police for bringing a fresh new approach to roads policing.

“These sorts of enforcement campaigns are vital in ensuring road users feel safe, but significant funding cuts mean the police are becoming stretched.

"We want to see more investment in roads policing so that these enforcement campaigns have maximum impact and make drivers think twice about breaking the law.”

Constable Moxam added: "We are very much trying to improve driving standards and the No Excuse team is actively working across Dorset to crack down on poor driving and motorcycle riding in order to reduce collisions on the road. This will run in tandem with the road respect campaign."

Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said for a small force Dorset Police "punches well above its weight in relation to road safety and tackling traffic offences".

"I support the force in taking steps to create a road respect culture in Dorset."

Dorset Police say the full scheme will be launched soon, with the aim of highlighting the 'feelgood factor' and making Dorset’s roads the safest and happiest in the country.