AMBULANCE drivers are to be given an advanced driving course to overcome what British ambulance chiefs claim are "woefully inadequate" guidelines for emergency vehicle driver training.

All Wales Ambulance Services, based at Cwmbran, has joined the British Ambulance Association in signing up to a tailor-made programme devised by the Advanced Driving School.

The challenging course has been specifically created for ambulance drivers, with the driving school officially recognised as the preferred organisation of the BAA.

Don Williams, president of the BAA, said: "Blue light driver training is one of the many things that requires urgent attention - not just within the ambulance service, but also with the increasing numbers of other organisations now permitted to fit and use blue lights. "Our recommendation is that all blue light drivers should receive the appropriate training and develop the necessary skills.

"Current legislation covering the operation of blue light users in the UK is woefully inadequate so we're having to provide the guidelines and set the standards that the government is yet to announce." Mr Williams said the job demanded a "high level of skill" when trying to negotiate traffic jams with other motorists failing to allow them through.

He said: "Yet there is no industry-wide driver training programme. We therefore decided to recommend one driver training organisation to our members - one that we could be sure would provide a particularly high and consistent level of service."

The course teaches advanced driving techniques, increased observation and anticipation and a smooth driving style, to ensure the comfort and safety of patients. Fully-equipped ambulances are used, as well as converted vans and estate cars and off-road 4x4 vehicles and all training follows the Roadcraft police driver training manual. Each instructor with the Builth Wells-based Advanced Driving School holds police Class 1 and Approved Driving Instructor certificates.

ADS operations manager Simon Davies said: "Class 1 advanced police drivers are perfect for blue light driver training. They're very experienced at making safe progress in all types of conditions and are put through an additional and demanding instructor course.

"But before people ask, we always emphasise that on-road training never involves breaking speed limits. Everything is strictly carried out according to the highway code."