Speeding workshops

[piskieinboots]

Has anyone ever been done for speeding - you can say 'my friend was' - cos 'my friend' has been clocked and she is very ashamed of herself and so she darn well should be too, especially as her hubby is a Policeman

Anyway, her question is - would you take the fine and points or sit the workshop? Bearing in mind that my friend has been driving for 33 years and has (had) a squeaky clean licence

If you or your friend has sat the workshop - what is it like?

[jacob marley]

The workshop cost's the same as the fine in Warwickshire don't know about the point's though my mate's OH was caught....jacob

[jackie j]

My fil did it quite a while ago he said it was good but as he is in his late 70's he thought it was a bit of a wste of time. It cost him a few quid but he didnt get anymore points. They showed something on our local news about this and it would make me think twice about speeding and I only saw a little bit.

[Snadger]

I've just been done for speeding recently...........it'll be interesting to see if I get an option!

[piskieinboots]

I'm not sure how it works as to whether you get an option or not Snadger, I was doing 37 in a 30 (so they tell me) and am honestly ashamed of myself and have no defence - but it is done now and will make me more cautious in the future.

I have just sent back my form to say 'it was me in the car' so I will let you know what happens.

[coomber]

My Hubber's just been busted speeding - he's opted for the speed workshop cause it's better than having points on your licence.
I think you only get offered the speed choice if you are only just over the limit - cause when I got caught i had to take the points

[piskieinboots]

Here is a clip I got from our area, looks like I should get offered the Urban Roads workshop - it may not be the same where you are though:

There are four education programmes including; Urban Roads, Faster Roads, Rider Improvement Workshops and Speed Awareness Course.

The urban roads workshop is for those caught speeding in 30 and 40mph limits. This is for those detected in the speed range of 35-39mph in a 30mph limit or 46-50mph in a 40mph limit.

The faster roads workshop is for those caught speeding in 50, 60 and 70mph limits. This is for those detected in the speed range of 57-61mph in a 50mph limit or 68-72 mph in a 60mph limit or 79-83mph in a 70mph limit.

Both workshops last two-and-a-half hours and both cost £74 including VAT; instead of a £60 fine and three penalty points.

The rider improvement workshop is for motorcyclists caught speeding throughout the fixed penalty speeding range in 50, 60 and 70mph limits. This course lasts for four hours and is classroom-based and costs £91 including VAT. This is instead of a £60 fine and three penalty points for those caught within the fixed penalty range.

For those caught at higher speeds, the course is an alternative to going to court and the rider will still get a £60 fine and three penalty points. There is an option to upgrade to an on-road course for an additional charge.

The speed awareness course is for those drivers caught speeding in the first 10mph of the speed range that would usually result in a court summons. The course lasts five hours, three hours in a classroom and two hours of on-road training. It costs £94 including VAT, but the driver will still get a £60 fixed penalty and three points as it is an alternative to going to court.

[HeyWayne]

Do they teach you how to speed at a speeding workshop?

Never been done for speeding meself - I'm always anal about sticking to the 30 limit, if you're ever gonna get caught, it's likely to be in a 30. Not very helpful am I?

People love driving behind me in a 30, and 40 actually, they get reet wound up, you can see it in their face. Once we hit the country roads however...

I think I'd go for the workshop.

[piskieinboots]

I am pretty annoyed with myself Wayne, I have held a very clean licence since Adam was a lad - I have no mitigating circumstances except (no not even then) that the 30 is soooo silly where it is.

But as SD pointed out 'it isn't for you to decide, it is the law, you should stick to it' ooooooooh get him I says

[HeyWayne]

But as SD pointed out 'it isn't for you to decide, it is the law, you should stick to it' ooooooooh get him I says

Did he shake a big stick at you when he said it?

[pjh75]

I did "driver rehab" about 18 months ago... also had a squeaky clean driving record and was both ashamed and annoyed at myself. Had no excuse for going 34 in a 30, other than I was slowing down from the 40 zone and just didn't do it quick enough.

I'm sure the cost of the course was the same as the fine... didn't get any points though and once you attend the course (half a day) that's the end of it. I did get a choice, and apparently it is dependent on how much over the limit you were... although officially they wouldn't tell you that. I also think you only get the choice once, so if I was to do the same thing in the same county I would have to pay the fine and get the points - happy to report that I have been squeaky clean since .

The course itself was a bit patronising if I'm honest... a bit of testing you on signs, looking for hazards etc. But they also tell / show stories about accidents that have been caused by speeding, which isn't very nice . At least, that's what they did at mine. Must admit, I did learn a couple of things though.

[Hazel at the Hill]

If attending the workshop reduces the points/fine, then I'd advise your friend to do that - especially if your friend works from home as is therefore flexible timewise. Perhaps your friend might look on the workshop as a networking opportunity (costs re-claimable...)

ETA: No one who speeds at the level of Piskies friend or pjh should beat themselves up - we have all driven at some point over the speed limit (even you big lad) I am sure.

[piskieinboots]

Did he shake a big stick at you when he said it?

gawd, you have no idea how big!!

... Perhaps your friend might look on the workshop as a networking opportunity (costs re-claimable...).

oh good call, there are bound to be some opportunities there!

[Hilary B]

My OH got caught at 34, the 'option' for a 'speed awareness course' (the names and details may vary from area to area) was not automatically available, but at £72, as an alternative to £60 plus penalty points, he was happy to accept it. He mentioned how surprised he was that most of the others on the course were ignorant about things like limits where not signposted (30 built up, or 60, unless it is a dual carriage way, then 70), braking distances, etc.

[lumpyjumper]

My friend was doing 36 in a 30 and was offered the course, at the course the instructor said, "i imagine you thought the room would be full of boy-racers"

Friend replies "nope cos they would have been doing at least 50 on a 30 road and so inelligible to attend!"

One very speechless instructor but one driver avoiding points....