A SCHEME offering new Huddersfield drivers further training has been given an award for its innovation.

Kirklees Council’s Highways Service was presented with a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for its enhanced pass plus scheme.

The programme is offered to new drivers to help improve their driving skills, road awareness and attitudes to driving.

The sessions – based on a national model – have been adapted in Kirklees to offer a half-price subsidy to all newly-qualified drivers, special instructor training days and new driver discussion groups.

Clr Martyn Bolt, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for transport and green issues, collected the award.

He said: “The Kirklees Driver Training Strategy and Enhanced Pass Plus Scheme have shown to be of significant benefit to new drivers.

“It has also given us another opportunity to work in partnership with the driver instructor organisations, the Driving Standards Agency and the Department of Transport.”

The awards were organised by Roadsafe, set up by the prince in 1987 to recognise outstanding achievement and innovation.