Go Safe

Motorists who exceed the speed limit by a few miles an hour in Mid and South Wales can now attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving a fine and points on their licence. The first speed awareness courses, which are already in place in many police forces across the UK including North Wales, have started in the Dyfed Powys, Gwent and South Wales police force areas in a bid to re-educate speeding motorists and cut the region’s road collision toll. Those motorists going a few miles an hour over the posted speed limits will be given the option of paying £80 to attend the course, which aims to raise awareness about the consequences of speeding. This is an alternative to prosecution and offenders will not receive penalty points. Motorists are only eligible for a course if they are caught driving at speeds up to 10 per cent plus 6mph of the posted limit. Those recorded driving over this will be prosecuted either through the conditional offer of fixed penalty process or a court appearance. The four-hour, classroom-based workshop will emphasise the importance of driving within speed limits and at speeds appropriate to road conditions. It will give motorists tips on how to avoid concentration lapses, hazard awareness and how to keep themselves and others safe on the road.