Since the 13th November 2006, the Norfolk Constabulary has been offering a Speed Awareness Course as an alternative to prosecution or a fixed penalty notice with the purpose to educate and not prosecute drivers / riders who have exceeded the speed limit through minor error of judgement. This has been offered to a limited number of driver / riders who have been detected speeding at a specified limit within a 30mph zone.
Following the success and popularity of Speed Awareness, Norfolk Constabulary has expanded and modified the course. The new Norfolk Speed Awareness course has been made more widely available to offences detected from the 1st June 2008 by offering it to those drivers / riders who have exceeded the limit in all speed zones and up to the threshold of 10%+6 (i.e. up to 39mph in a 30mph zone etc). Speed Awareness Courses are not to be offered to driver / riders who have been detected travelling at a speed greater than 10%+6 above the posted speed limit.
Norfolk Constabulary remains dedicated to effective partnership working and continues to work as a member of the Safety Camera Partnership and Road Casualty Reduction Group. By changing drivers’ attitudes to inappropriate speed through the application of education, information and enforcement, the Norfolk Constabulary aims to reduce the incidence and severity of road traffic casualties. The Speed Awareness Course is designed to explore why drivers/riders have exceeded the speed limit and to try to prevent possible recurrence.
The Speed Awareness course is currently provided by Norfolk County Council and is delivered in accordance with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Association of the National Driver Improvement Scheme Providers (ANDISP) guidelines.
The course provides theory training to both DVLA and NON-DVLA driving licence holders who are eligible to attend. It is based in a variety of venues around Norfolk, costs £70 to attend and lasts for approximately 4 hours. Successful completion of the course means no penalty points or fine will be incurred.
CRITERIA NEEDED TO ATTEND:
- If the Speed of the driver / rider makes them eligible for a Speed Awareness Course.
- If the driver / rider has NOT attended a Speed Awareness Course within the last 3 years,
- If the driver / rider does not have further traffic offences being considered against them,
- If the offence does not exceed the critical date at which a Speed Awareness Course can be offered.
To view other course locations available, visit the National Driver Improvement website at www.driver-improvement.org.uk A driver / rider can only be referred to other National Speed Awareness Course providers and NOT Local Speed Awareness Schemes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. How will I know if I am eligible to attend a Speed Awareness Course?
A. After admitting to the offence, if you are eligible you will receive a letter from Norfolk County Council inviting you to attend a Speed Awareness Course. You will have the option to accept this offer or decline.
Q. How do I pay for the course?
A. Payment is dealt with through Norfolk County Council who will provide precise details of payment methods, cost and course venue. Payment can not be made in instalments.
Q. Will I still have to pay a fine in addition to the cost of the course?
A. No. Attendance on a Speed Awareness Course means that a fine and penalty points will not be enforced.
Q. What will I learn from the course?
A. At the end of the course, clients should be able to identify:
- what causes drivers/riders to speed
- the disadvantages of speeding
- the consequences of misusing speed
- speed limit whilst driving and
- the correct use of speed for a variety of hazards.
A. Government approved trainers are used for the sessions. The trainers are contracted by Norfolk County Council’s Driver and Rider Development team who have considerable experience in providing Casualty Reduction interventions. Norfolk County Council works in partnership with the Norfolk Constabulary to provide the National Speed Awareness Course and National Drover Improvement Scheme.
Q. Is any part of the course delivered on-road?
A. As a part of the National Scheme, this course consists of a four hour interactive presentation and does not include practical driving or riding.
Q. How many people will be on the course?
A. There may be a maximum of 20 people.
Q. Will I have to stand up and speak in front of the group?
A. No. You will work in small groups, so you will not be required to speak in front of the whole group. Our trainers are highly skilled professionals who are there to help.
Q. I have learning difficulties, can I still take part?
A. Our trainers will provide all of the support you need throughout the session.
Q. Will there be a test? Can I pass or fail?
A. There is no test, but a satisfactory completion of the course is required. Satisfactory completion of the course involves:
- attending all sessions
- completing all course paperwork
- making a positive contribution to the course
- demonstrating a willingness to show a positive contribution helping to evaluate the course
Only failure to participate and contribute adequately may lead to an unsuccessful completion of the course. If this was to occur, your details would be returned to the Norfolk Constabulary who would take any further necessary action.
Q. What can I expect from Norfolk County Coucnil?
A. You can expect:
A course
- designed by professionals to improve driver safety
- properly researched and tested
Trainers who
- are fully trained to provide this specialised service
- are responsive to your individual needs and concerns
- have expertise in both theory and practice of safer driving techniques