Speed awareness courses curb drivers more effectively than points

MOTORISTS who go on speed awareness courses are significantly less likely to reoffend than those who accept three points and a fine, a Governmentfunded study has found.

An analysis of data on 2.2million drivers, in a study commissioned by the Department for Transport, found the rate of reoffending lower after six months, and that courses also had a lasting impact with the reoffending rate still lower after three years.

Last year a record 1.4million people took the courses, which cost around £100 and last for half a day. Their popularity has attracted controversy amid concerns that they are becoming a “cash cow” for the police. Fees go in part to the police, whereas a fine goes directly to the Treasury.

In September, the police had their share increased by nearly 30 per cent, from £35 to £45 per driver, meaning they pocketed £56.7 million in 2017. The courses have also been a source of controversy in the police amid concerns that they are too “soft” on drivers.

Earlier this year Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, the country’s road policing chief, claimed that the courses were being overused. However, the research appears to justify their use.

The Government commissioned Ipsos Mori two years ago to conduct the research, drawing data from 13 police forces between 2012 and 2017. It found that after six months, five per cent of those who take the course go on to reoffend, compared with seven per cent of those who take the points. After three years 21 per cent of those who go on the course reoffend, compared with 23 per cent for those who do not.

The research also indicated that those who took the courses were less likely to be involved in serious collisions that caused injury.

Jesse Norman, the roads minister, said: “The UK has some of the safest roads in the world, but we are always looking at ways of making them safer.

“That is why I am delighted to see that the National Speed Awareness Course is clearly working well in preventing drivers from putting other road users at risk by breaking speed limits.”

The courses, which were launched in 2003, are used by 41 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales. They educate drivers of the dangers of speeding, including how being just over the limit can make a radical difference to braking distances. David Davies, executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Road Safety, said: “These findings are a win-win for motorists and for road safety.”

Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “Contrary to popular belief the vast majority of drivers accept the use of speed cameras and those who have been on a course are more aware of the dangers of inappropriate speed and the majority would recommend courses for others.”