Speed Awareness Course

The authorities have recently introduced an alternative to the fixed penalty (Points & a Fine), this is called the Speed Awareness Course.

The course does not replace the fixed penalty, but is offered as another option that drivers can elect to take.

Drivers that chose to take a speed awareness course will not have any points added to their licence (as with a fixed penalty), although they will be required to pay a fee to cover the cost of the course. The ‘Fee’ varies from region to region but is usually £60-100.

 

There are a number of criteria that must be met in order to qualify for a speed awareness course. These are usually that:

You must have been caught doing less than 38mph in a 30mph zone. Courses are not offered for offences in other speed zones.
You must not have taken a course in the last three years in any other part of the country.
The area in which you committed the offence must offer the scheme.

Courses usually take the form of a one-off workshop and their stated intention is to improve drivers ability to spot hazards, judge speed, and avoid speeding in future. Usually lasting 2-3 hours there is no test to take, pass or fail and people who have attended the course have reported a generally friendly atmosphere.

 

As well as ‘educating drivers’ the intention of the course is to try and build bridges with the public and improve the image of the Police and authorities because of the criticism they have drawn through the use of speed cameras - with some saying they are more about revenue generation than road safety.

Whilst the courses are well intentioned and a better option than a 3-point fixed penalty they have be criticised for targeting minor infractions rather than offenders who pose a real risk. i.e. drivers that have breached the speed limit by more than 8mph, but not fast enough to warrant a court appearance (less than 50mph)

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