Drivers' course instead of fine

Speeding motorists in Worcestershire are being offered the chance to take part in a speed awareness course instead of having points added to their licence.

West Mercia Police has decided to offer the alternative to some motorists.

The course currently operates in 20 forces across the UK and motorists receive a letter to give them the option to attend a course rather than pay a fine and receive penalty points on their licence.

Drivers are asked to pay £60 for the half-day course and research has shown that those who are retrained are less likely to re-offend than those who are prosecuted.

Chief Inspector Adam Thomas, from West Mercia Police's Safety and Justice department, said: "Road safety is an important priority for police in West Mercia and we are committed to reducing the number of road casualties.

"Excessive speed is a factor in a large number of road traffic collisions.

"However, we do appreciate that some drivers may suffer a lapse of attention rather than deliberately breaking the law.

"Offering a speed awareness course which explores theory works remarkably well and gives those who attend the chance to re-acquaint themselves with the rules of the road."