Eight-year-old driver won't be charged

An eight-year-old girl seen driving a car along a busy Australian road has been ticked off by the police.

Western Australian state police said they were alerted by a motorist who saw the child heading along the highway near Perth on Friday.

One of the car's tyres suffered a flat after turning off the motorway, bringing it safely to a halt.

Police Inspector Bob Phipps said authorities were checking reports that the vehicle was stolen.

He said the girl, who was not named, would not be charged because of her age.

Insp Phipps said he was not surprised by the incident.

"I've seen two six-year-olds driving a car," he said.