SPEEDING motorists are being given the chance to go back to the classroom to learn about the dangers of breaking the speed limit.

North Yorkshire Police are introducing speed courses in a bid to create a better understanding of the effects of speeding and offer an alternative to prosecution.

Completing a course could mean that a motorist will avoid having their driving licence endorsed with three penalty points, and instead of paying a fine, the motorist will pay a fee which covers the course cost and running of the scheme. The option to take a course will be extended across the county from June 1.

Lessons will be offered to motorists who caught marginally above the speed limit and who meet the eligibility criteria.

Inspector Dave Brown, Head of Strategic Roads Policing at North Yorkshire Police, said: “This course addresses one of the main problems associated with driving over the speed limit, which is the mindset of many drivers and riders who believe that driving a few miles per hour over the limit is acceptable and within their capabilities.

Try telling that to the pedestrian hit at 37mph in a 30mph limit – that is, if they have lived to argue the point – more than 50 percent will not. “Speeding is against the law. You know when you are speeding, you must be prepared to deal with the consequences.

“Our priority is to reduce the number of casualties on our roads and make them as safe as possible. The courses and our ongoing work with the “95 Alive” York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, mean we have even more options available to help achieve our aim of safer roads.”

Courses will be held at Northallerton and York, although drivers can be referred to a course elsewhere in England and Wales if more convenient.

Leanne McConnell, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This is not a soft option, but an opportunity to change driver and rider behaviour through education.”