BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE is now offering drivers caught speeding the opportunity to attend a “Speed Awareness” training course as an alternative to a fine and penalty points on their driving licence or attending court. This is part of the Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction Partnership’s strategy to reduce the number of people killed and injured in road traffic collisions as a result of inappropriate driving speed.

The half-day course follows a nationally-approved syllabus, and will be run by DriveTech (UK) Ltd (a subsidiary of the AA) and delivered by specially selected approved driving instructors.  Courses will be held in Luton and Bedford starting in November 2009.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Richer, of Bedfordshire Police said: “Road traffic collisions are the biggest cause of unnatural death in our county, and tragically most collisions are the result of human error. We are offering these courses as an alternative to prosecution to certain drivers in a bid to modify their attitudes towards speeding and their driving behaviour. Ultimately, it is about reducing the casualty toll and making our roads safer for everybody.”

“Not all drivers will be eligible to attend these workshops - we will continue to use the full force of the law to prosecute drivers who drive with blatant disregard for the road traffic laws that exist for everybody’s safety.”

People who take part in the Speed Awareness courses will help drivers recognise why they speed; identify the speed limits on different roads; drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions; understand the consequences of misusing speed and develop a personal strategy to avoid future lapses.

Drivers will pay £65 including VAT to attend the course which covers the cost of administering and delivering the scheme. It will only be available to drivers who meet certain eligibility criteria*. It will not be offered to drivers who exceed the speed limit excessively, or those who have attended a national Speed Awareness workshop within the last three years (from the date of the offence).