All four Police Forces in Wales are committed to road safety and the education of drivers. A Speed Awareness scheme was introduced in North Wales in February 2006 and in Mid & South Wales in August 2009 as an alternative to a fine and penalty points on the driving licence.
The service providers for the courses are registered with the Association of National Driver Improvement Scheme Providers (ANDISP). All instructors are appropriately qualified DSA Approved Driving Instructors.
The classroom-based course is designed to explore the reasons why people exceed the speed limit and aims to help develop a strategy to prevent further lapses. At the end of the course, drivers should be able to identify: -
- What causes drivers/riders to speed
- The consequences of misusing speed
- Speed limits whilst driving/riding
- Potential hazards on the road
There is no formal written test but drivers are expected to have a positive attitude and participate. Courses are offered in the medium of Welsh and English and disabilities are catered for.
Up to 20 people may attend a course and every driver will be given a copy of the Highway Code and relevant leaflets relating to road safety.
Only one course can be undertaken in any three year period. Once a course is successfully completed, the file on that incident is closed and no further action taken. Each driver is notified of this in writing by the relevant Police force. It is evident from feedback that drivers have found the course very beneficial.
Comments and views from people who have attended the course:
“I would like to say how much I enjoyed the speed awareness course. I did learn a lot and I feel it has made me a much better driver. The instructor was excellent. I hope that this course becomes compulsory to all drivers as it is much needed on our roads today.”
“I recently went on the speed awareness course. I just wanted to say that it was a very good course and in fact it made me rethink the way I drive. This was so much more beneficial than just a blanket fine and points. I think that it would be very useful for those who exceed the speed limit by a large margin in addition to their fine and points, as it does put into context the consequences of your actions.”
“I am writing to commend your road safety campaign and to thank you for the opportunity to take a speed awareness course instead of taking points on my licence. The course was well thought out, extremely well presented, informative and thought provoking."