Drivers who stick to speed limits will be sent congratulatory letters praising their motoring skills

Good drivers who stick to speed limits will be sent congratulatory letters through the post, police have announced.

Any letters sent out will look to praise driving, speed and general behaviour by motorists as part of a “road respect” culture.

PC Heidi Moxam, Road Casualty Reduction Officer for the south-west force, said: "Our aim is to create a road respect culture in Dorset by highlighting the benefits of being more considerate to each other on the road."

However, within hours of its announcement, the scheme drew criticism online with Dorset residents questioning how effective it would be.

One said: "I thought the primary purpose of the police was to enforce the law.

"Maybe this is yet another example of the police 're-inventing' their role in society?"

Another commented: "What a load of rubbish, surely the testament to good driving is to have a clean record for many years, not some stupid letter through the post."

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, praised the idea however warned that members of the public needed to see action against anti-social behaviour too.

"By flipping this idea on its head and promoting good behaviour, Dorset Police could well see some positive changes in how drivers, and all road users, interact with one another,” he said.

"Nevertheless, however you campaign, the need for enforcement will always be necessary.

"Praising good practice is one thing, but the public will still want to see cops in cars stamping out dangerous actions such as using a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel and anti-social actions such as tailgating."

Dorset Police said that the full scheme will be launched shortly but did not provide a date.