'Abysmal' driving standards claim

The standard of driving in Guernsey has been described as "abysmal" by one of the island's driving instructors.

Currently anyone who has held a full driving licence for 12 months can set up as a driving school business.

Peter Derham said people should have a minimum of four years' experience before being allowed to teach.

He has called for greater regulation of his profession by the States, insisting such a move would help to make the island's roads safer.

"People are passing the driving test without the necessary skills," Mr Derham told BBC News.

"I thing the standard of driving on Guernsey's roads is abysmal - absolutely abysmal."

Voluntary register

He said some instructors were failing to teach their pupils how to drive properly.

Mr Derham said he would also like to see a road safety officer appointed, to organise safety campaigns.

Proposals to set up a register of driving tutors was considered by the Environment Department in 2005, but no legislation has been passed.

An Environment spokesman said a voluntary register was still being considered.