MORE than 100,000 drivers in the Thames Valley have taken speed awareness courses rather than facing a fine since the scheme was launched four-and-a-half years ago.

The workshop is for those caught speeding in 30 and 40mph zones and is run by DriveTech (UK) plc.

It is designed to improve driving skills, attitude and behaviour, and of those speeders offered a course there has been a take-up of 90 per cent.

Malcolm Collis, from the Thames Valley Police roads policing department, which developed and set up the first scheme, said: "We remain convinced that sending people on these courses as an alternative to a fixed penalty is making a difference.

"All the feedback we get is very positive and we know we are changing attitudes and modifying future driver behaviour."

Source: Witney Gazette