DRIVING on our motorways during the festive break will have made many people aware of the failings of their fellow motorists.

The slightest drop of rain prompts rear fog lights to be switched on - and left on to dazzle following drivers when visibility is almost perfect.

Families apparently stopping for a conference on the hard shoulder and, of course, people driving at 70mph while chatting on their mobile phones are two more dangerous irritants.

Most annoying of all are those drivers who move into the right hand lane and remain there, stopping anyone else from overtaking even when both the other lanes are clear.

Many of these actions are the result of ignorance rather than a wilful desire to frustrate others and that's why the Lancashire Police initiative revealed today is so sensible.

Offending drivers are to be pulled over as part of a pilot scheme and 'given advice' rather than booked, on the basis that it is pointless fining people for innocent mistakes.

Later they are to be contacted again to check if the warning has helped them become better drivers by changing bad habits.

The idea came from a police constable who should be congratulated for his common sense.

In theory, ignorance of the law is no excuse but many drivers who passed their test years ago need to be put right rather than merely hit with a fine when they were unaware they were doing wrong.