Speed Awareness Courses are available as an alternative to prosecution under the fixed penalty system for those drivers who have been detected exceeding the posted speed limit, but within the parameters deemed suitable by Staffordshire Police. Staffordshire County Council's Road Safety & Sustainable Travel Unit, in conjunction with the Staffordshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, provides Speed Awareness Courses throughout Staffordshire.

Drivers cannot self refer to this scheme nor can they attend a course if they have attended a Speed Awareness course within the last three years.

Road Safety professionals agree that education is more beneficial than prosecution and as part of Staffordshire County Council's casualty reduction programme, such courses are seen as having made a positive contribution since they were first introduced in 2002.

Course Venues

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust HQ
Wolseley Bridge
Stafford
ST17 0WT

Wildlife Trust Map

Business Innovation Centre
Staffs Technology Park
Beaconside
Stafford
ST18 0AR

Business Innovation Centre Map

 

SiTECH Conference Centre
Trentham Lakes Development Park
Trentham
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 8HH

SiTECH Map

Heath House
Cheadle Road
Uttoxeter
Staffs
ST14 7BY

Heath House Map
 

Course Availability

Courses are available at a variety of times throughout the week, including a limited number of evening and Saturday courses. The table below is an indication of the current course scheduling:

Course Duration

Each course is of four hours duration. There are two refreshment breaks scheduled but food is not provided.

Course Format

The Staffordshire course is an in-class theory only course. There is no practical driving element nor are there any written tests to pass. The course adheres to the national standard as laid down by the Association of Police Chief Officers (ACPO)

Course Aim

The overall aim of the course is to explore and challenge the reasons why people exceed speed limits and to help drivers develop a personal speed awareness strategy so as to avoid future lapses leading to misuse of speed.

Course Topics

Excuses: An opportunity for you to explore the reasons why you speed in
 general.

What causes you to speed: This section allows you to explore and record some of the reasons why you may speed.

Consequences: You are asked to think of the consequences of either speeding or driving at inappropriate speeds and record your thoughts. A sobering section, and for most, probably the first time you will consider speeding as having personal consequences.

So what are you going to do: This section prompts you to plan a strategy, often a very simple one, in order that you do not speed in the future, thus avoiding being in a position where your personal consequences become a reality.

Coping strategy: You will be introduced to the concept of COAST - Concentration, Observation, Anticipation, Space and Time and how to link this to defensive driving.

Looking and seeing: An interesting exercise that demonstrates that we look but often don't see!

Motorcyclists: These are among our more vulnerable of road users and can be difficult to spot. This section aims to raise awareness of the issues associated with blind spots and speed issues with powered two wheelers.

Speed limits: An opportunity to refresh your knowledge of speed limit rules and how to identify a limit when you've missed the sign.

Hazard perception: During this section and working in small groups, you are first asked to examine four different driving scenes. You then record your findings, based upon your observations, as to what you think the speed limit is, what hazards you have identified and then suggest appropriate action and speeds for dealing with each hazard. A thought provoking exercise aimed at enhancing driver's powers of observation and anticipation and the ability to determine an appropriate speed.

Recognition and appropriate use of speed: You will be shown four short video clips, each showing different road and traffic conditions. The presenter will discuss various aspects of hazard awareness and situations that need a consideration towards speed.

Attitudes and beliefs: Most drivers admit that speeding is an issue; however, not many of us will admit to speeding ourselves. This session aims to explore and challenge the concept of what we say and what we do are actually very different.

Implementation Intentions: This gives you the opportunity to reflect on your own driving and make a personal commitment towards making a positive change in your driving via a simple but personal pledge.

Recap and Conclusion: The course presenter will summarize the course and answer any of your questions. 

Not sure whether to accept the offer of a course?

The Speed Awareness Course is designed and delivered by Road Safety Officers and Driving Instructors. There is no Police involvement and attendees can expect a friendly welcome. The approach is relaxed but delivered to a high standard of professionalism. There is no test to pass, no driving to do and above all, you will be treated with respect and not that of a 'naughty' driver. All we ask is that you attend with an open mind and be prepared to listen to the advice of road safety professionals. As with any course, you get out what you put in!

Course costs

The Staffordshire Speed Awareness course costs £60, the same as the fine but without the penalty points.

Remember, if you are eligible and elect to take the Speed Awareness Course, you do not have to pay the fine, you won't get the penalty points and above all, you don't have to tell your insurance company because the speeding offence is cancelled.

If you decide not to take the course option, under the terms of your insurance policy you are required to notify them of any prosecutions. It is not uncommon for insurance costs to rise at a rate of £50 per penalty point for a period of up to five years.

Booking your place on a course

If you are eligible, you will receive a letter from the Staffordshire Casualty Reduction Partnership together with a course booking form. Complete the form, enclose payment and post to the address on the form.

Coming soon

Staffordshire County Council will shortly be introducing an on-line booking system. Eligible drivers will be able to select a course that is suitable for them and arrange this in the comfort of their own home, including payment.

Testimonials:

'An excellent course that has really made me think about the need to keep to speed limits'.

'I thought I was going to be lectured to. The course leaders were really friendly and professional. So glad I didn't take the penalty points and the fine'.

'I'm much better now at recognising different speed limit areas'.

'Has given me so much more confidence with my driving, especially with reading the road ahead and avoiding potentially dangerous situations'.

'It was nothing like I expected, thought it was going to be a test, it wasn't, in fact it was an enjoyable and informative course'.

'An excellent opportunity to refresh ones speed skills, I would recommend it to everyone'.

'Thought the room was going to be full of boy racers. I soon realised, it's just ordinary people, just like me'.

'Really didn't want to come, so glad I did'.

'Best £60 I have spent in a long while'.

Further information

Should you have any further questions about this scheme, please contact:

Speed Awareness Administrator
Staffordshire County Council
Development Services Directorate 
Road Safety & Sustainable Travel Unit
Riverway
Stafford
ST16 3TJ

Tel: 01785 276620

Fax: 01785 276612

e-mail: roadsafety@staffordshire.gov.uk

For information about the Staffordshire Casualty Reduction Partnership please click HERE