Drivers who have been hauled before the courts for driving without due care and attention now have the chance to go on a course instead of being penalised by fines and penalty points. Reporter Ashley Broadley went along to find out more.

Their pale and nervous faces filled the room with an air of apprehension.

The 20 people - a cross section of society including a 19-year-old student and a 72-year-old pensioner - would have been facing court appearances in front of stern-faced magistrates if they had not turned up. They had all been given a second chance.

None of them had committed a heinous crime, one which would mean years behind bars and the loss of their liberty. But they had, in one way or another, disobeyed some of Britain's strictest laws.

They were all guilty of traffic offences. One man had been caught talking on his mobile phone while driving on the motorway, another had knocked down a drunk who suddenly stepped out in front of him.

If they went to court, they could face penalty points on their driving licences and a large fine. But from the brink of punishment comes a new opportunity.

People caught driving without due care and attention can pay £100 for the day-and-a-half course. If they pass, they go unpunished. No fine. No penalty points.

The project, which started in Bradford in December, is held at the Road Safety Centre in Huddersfield.

Residents in Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield can also opt to take part in the scheme, run by West Yorkshire Police and local authorities, which aims to reduce traffic accidents.

The idea originated in Devon and Cornwall, where its success meant it spread to other areas in the country.

And since it started in West Yorkshire, the police have referred 609 people and courses are run weekly.

As I looked around at the silent crowd on this particular course, I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't in a doctor's waiting room. All eyes were straight ahead, watching the breakfast news on television.

Dave Washbourne introduced himself to the group. A former HGV driver and driving instructor, he spends the morning explaining about driving hazards, awareness and improving skills.

He does not speak down to the group. He is not blaming anyone or forcing them to talk about their accident or incident. Straight-talking, honest and interesting perhaps sums him up best.

The group was taught about what makes a good driver, asked why mistakes are made, and how to be safer behind the wheel.

After lunch it was out in the cars with a qualified instructor. Each person gets about half-an-hour's driving, with the instructor pointing out potential hazards and giving tips on driving.

I was told I didn't use my mirrors enough and when preparing to stop you shouldn't go down all your gears, but just cruise in neutral.

When we returned to the classroom, the tense atmosphere so noticeable earlier in the day was gone. The participants were interested in each other's experience on the road and no one was watching television anymore.

The following day involved a Highway Code test and more driving. Then everyone was told if they had passed and escaped a fine and penalty points.

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