Speeders awareness course being offered in Coleraine

ALMOST 4,000 motorists who have been caught speeding in Northern Ireland have been offered the chance to take part in a new educational programme.

The 'speed awareness scheme' which was launched at the beginning of June gives drivers the opportunity to take part in a course, avoiding the customary three penalty points on their licence.

Those who have taken part have been given graphic insights into the horror and carnage of road accidents.

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So far 3,994 drivers over the speed limit have qualified for the initiative, which costs each participant 85.

Police, however, have been unable to quantify how many drivers have taken the course.

The course is only offered to motorists who are caught travelling a little over the speed limit, and not to those who are far in excess of it.

Superintendent Muir Clark, who is head of road policing, said that the aim of the course is to "change driving behaviour" and so will not be offered if the motorist has already taken it in the previous three years.

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Those detected of speeding, and who are aged 25 years and over, are able to attend the speed awareness scheme. Those aged under 25 years and detected speeding are offered the chance to complete a "young drivers scheme".

The four-hour classroom based speed awareness scheme follows a nationally approved syllabus, and is run by DriveTech (UK) Ltd (a subsidiary of the AA) and delivered by specially selected approved road safety specialists.

The courses are held in centres in Coleraine, Belfast, Omagh and Newry.