MSP Murdo Fraser is calling for the immediate introduction of speed awareness courses for first time speeding offenders in Scotland.
The initiative, which offers an alternative to receiving fixed penalty points and a fine, already operates successfully in parts of England and Wales.
Mr Fraser says Scotland should follow suit and believes it could further cut speeding on the notorious A9.
“The Scottish Government has been sitting on the idea of introducing speed awareness courses for a number of years and its time we had some action on this front,” said the MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.
“Speed awareness courses are proven to have a long-term impact in correcting the behaviour of drivers and serve as an important educational tool in reducing dangerous driving.
“The A9 is one of Scotland’s most dangerous roads with thousands of people caught speeding on the route each year.
“Instead of fines and points it would be interesting to note the impact that these courses could have in improving driver behaviour.
“In remote areas it would be a huge benefit for drivers to take the course rather than receive penalty points, which could lead to someone losing their licence.
“People who have taken these courses have praised their content and there is no doubt it makes them better and safer drivers.
“It’s now time to take action, so Scotland is not lagging behind the rest of the UK.”
In 2015, 1,207,570 drivers opted to complete a speed awareness course as an alternative to receiving fixed penalty points and a fine in England and Wales.
The scheme is designed to allow the police to divert low-end speeding motorists to a re-education course.
The course content is designed to change the driver’s behaviour with the aim of preventing the driver from re-offending.
To qualify for a National Speed Awareness Course the driver’s speeding needs to be within certain limits — for example in a 30mph zone the speed needs to be between 35mph and 42mph and on motorways, the figure needs to be between 79mph and 86mph.
Motorists will not be allowed to attend if they have taken one in the three years prior to their most recent speeding offence.
Completing the workshop means that they will not have to pay the fixed penalty notice and will not get penalty points on their licence.
