[Minnie Mouse]

Today I attended a Speed Awareness Course!

Yep I got caught doing 35mph in a 30mph zone back in August. I actually found the course to be very informative and very relaxed. Since getting my letter telling me of my 3 points and fine I have been driving like an old lady and have been very conscious of speed limits. It has actually taken any enjoyment out of driving for me. I am constantly worrying I will get caught again!

Anyone else attended one of these courses instead of getting the 3 points of your license?

[118]

oooh Minnie, you little minx! actually I can't really say much, but I was never offered anything when I got caught 2 years ago

[simeds]

my mummy told me to stay away from fast women minnie

[Minnie Mouse]

Quote: Originally Posted by simeds (original)

my mummy told me to stay away from fast women minnie

Oh is that right?
There's me thinking that you were just scared of my charm and charisma

[Minnie Mouse]

Quote: Originally Posted by 118 (original)

oooh Minnie, you little minx! actually I can't really say much, but I was never offered anything when I got caught 2 years ago

I don't think 2 years ago these schemes were up and running in many areas. It seems that most areas now have these schemes up and running but they still need fine tuning. I had to go to Northamptonshire and there were people from Southampton, Leeds, Manchester and Surrey. What they want to do eventually is to be able to get you to do the course nearer to your home instead of having to travel 100's of miles.

[118]

aaaah I see - a shame really, cos I think it would have been good experience to do one of these courses. Any driving courses you can do, have to be beneficial

[minicabrio]

So what did they make you do?

I had visions of it being like a prison camp where they lock you up till ye crack!!

Was it classroom based, or did they let ye loose on the open road?

[lespurgeon]

I've been lucky to live places where you just pay the speed tax, and hope the insurance company doesn't take note. Think I've averaged one tax bill every 5 years or so. So far been nice to me and written for only 10 mph over the limit, when actual was probably closer to 15.

My whole issue has always been, I think it is more important to drive at what is an appropriate speed for the roadway, conditions, traffic, etc, then what some sign says. There are spots where I'm always 10 below the limit if it is raining and peds are popping out - but 50 on an access controlled motorway when there is no other traffic on the road - I've never been able to do that.

[Minnie Mouse]

Quote: Originally Posted by minicabrio (original)

So what did they make you do?

I had visions of it being like a prison camp where they lock you up till ye crack!!

Was it classroom based, or did they let ye loose on the open road?

It was very relaxed Jon!
2, non police people took the course. They were advanced driving instructors and had been doing these courses for 6 years. No driving was involved just lots of slides to be viewed and lots of talking and opinions. In a way it was like taking a advanced driving lesson I suppose. We were shown photos and we had to say what the hazards where etc. It also helped you understand how to know what speed limit you were in by different things i.e street lights, central reservations etc.

The one thing that struck me as mad, but with luck it won't be happening for much longer, is the fact that people had travelled from as far afield as Southampton, Leeds, Manchester and one man lived in France for part of the year so he had come that far! In future it is hoped that regardless of where you were caught you will be able to do such a course in an area that is closer to you.

[Den W]

I've just received the Notice to Prosecute from being 'shot' by a b#*( )'d camera! Mind you I was doing 48 in 40 I've sent my details off and hopefully I'll be offered this course which I'd rather take instead of having points on my licence, do you have to pay extra for the course on top of the fine?

Cheers

Den

[Minnie Mouse]

I doubt you will be offered the course....we were led to believe it was only offered by those who exceeded the limit by 5mph but I may be wrong. It also depends on where the offence was committed and if the authority are offering these courses. Not everywhere does!

I just had to pay the £60 fine....but of course had to loose a days pay in order to attend the course!

[Den W]

just my luck! i've just got rid of 3 points didn't want any replacements! Just gonna have to ease off that throttle

[Minnie Mouse]

Quote: Originally Posted by Den W (original)

just my luck! i've just got rid of 3 points didn't want any replacements! Just gonna have to ease off that throttle

Well as I said I may be wrong but that is what we were led to believe yesterday by the Northamptonshire area!

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Minnie Mouse (original)

It was very relaxed Jon!
2, non police people took the course. They were advanced driving instructors and had been doing these courses for 6 years. No driving was involved just lots of slides to be viewed and lots of talking and opinions. In a way it was like taking a advanced driving lesson I suppose. We were shown photos and we had to say what the hazards where etc. It also helped you understand how to know what speed limit you were in by different things i.e street lights, central reservations etc.

The one thing that struck me as mad, but with luck it won't be happening for much longer, is the fact that people had travelled from as far afield as Southampton, Leeds, Manchester and one man lived in France for part of the year so he had come that far! In future it is hoped that regardless of where you were caught you will be able to do such a course in an area that is closer to you.

That sounds like a good course... teaching folks about hazard perception and how to read the road properly.

I guess when these courses open up in all the major cities they will become more popular!