Safety classes `illegal'

Car safety classes for women have been outlawed by an Equal Opportunities Commission ruling that they breach the Sex Discrimination Act.

The decision that female-only lessons are illegal stunned bosses at a firm that has been running a special free course for five years, teaching women what to do to avoid being attacked if their car breaks down.

Now, women-only lessons organised by Sandicliffe Motors at Ilkeston, Derbyshire, may have to be scrapped. Manager Peter Draycott said: "We are very disappointed at the ruling."

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust said: "It is certainly a most unhelpful decision. These classes are addressed towards people who want to feel more secure when driving alone."