MOTORISTS under 60 who drive regularly are knowledgable and confident on the roads, according to a survey by the Bolton branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

The group, which runs four advanced driving courses a year, invited motorists to fill in questionnaires on its display stands at shops across the borough.

Of the seven questions asked, drivers under 60 and who drove more than 10,000 miles a year scored the highest.

Vice-chairman Hugh German said: "It was reassuring to find that 73 per cent of drivers knew that the main reason for skidding was driver error and not the car, weather or road.

"A total of 96 per cent of drivers also knew that stopping in a safe place before answering their mobile phone was correct. Shall we see fewer Bolton drivers using theirs while driving?

"But only 48 per cent of drivers knew that the national speed limit for cars on dual carriageways was 70mph. Perhaps those who don't know this are causing frustration to more knowledgeable drivers."

l Anyone interested in finding out more about advanced driving courses should contact Les Wardle on 01204 361064