A driving instructor from Dundee has said it is “ridiculous” that Scots are the only motorists in the UK who cannot take a speed awareness course instead of being prosecuted.
Drivers in Scotland have to pay a fine and get penalty points on their licences for minor speeding infringements, rather than paying for a course to teach them how to be safer on the roads.
Scottish Conservatives say the SNP is “stalling” in bringing Scotland in line with the rest of the UK.
Kenny Whyte, a driving instructor at Fast Pass in Dundee, said education is far more effective in raising standards than punishing drivers, adding it was unfair that Scottish drivers do not get the same opportunities as others.
“I think it’s ridiculous,” the 54-year-old said. “It’s not fair that the law is different. People should be given equal opportunity to do the course.
“I want to see people offered the course rather than having to take the fine and points. That does nothing to improve their driving while the course shows how to improve their driving.”
In a written question for the SNP Government, Conservative MSP Mary Scanlon called on them to end the “raw deal” for drivers north of the border.
The Tories say they have been piling pressure on the SNP to introduce the course since at least 2011.
Transport Secretary Derek Mackay said the Scottish Government supports the general principle of the courses and is working with road safety groups and the Crown Office to assess their contribution to road safety.
“The introduction of any such speed awareness courses in Scotland would require a robust evidence base and the approval of the lord advocate, who would also decide how they would be used in practice,” Mr Mackay added.