WE welcomed the police initiative to stop young drivers, check their cars and give them advice on good driving practice.

It came following a number of deaths of young people on our roads.

Today Gwent Police says it stopped nearly 500 drivers as part of its Deadly Mates campaign.

Just two vehicles were seized because their owners had no insurance, none had been drink driving and just a handful had minor defects.

It's pleasing to see so few young people breaking the law.

But we should not be complacent.

The number of youngsters injured in smashes and causing them is still shockingly high.

And you only have to listen to the families of those who have lost loved ones to realise the full impact a road death can have.

We hope police carry on with this initiative and implement others to ensure these young drivers are fully aware of the potential carnage they can cause behind the wheel.