A NEW speed awareness course which sees police taking the lead has been hailed a success by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster.
More than 160 people took part in the first speed awareness course delivered by the force, as the PCC’s plans to reduce the number of people being killed or seriously injured on the region’s roads took another step forward.
The PCC said he was pleased West Midlands Police has now started delivering the courses in-house, which will help motorists drive safer in future, potentially saving lives and preventing serious injury.
Most courses across the UK are delivered by private, profit-making businesses making West Midlands Police the largest of only seven forces in the UK to now deliver this safety training.
The courses – delivered online or in person – are offered to people caught speeding and are an alternative to a fine or points on their licence.
Using a range of interactive and informative modules the force trainers help motorists expand their understanding of speed limits and recognise the negative consequences of speeding, in order to change behaviours and reduce reoffending.
The courses are paid for by the drivers, meaning the scheme is self-funding with all staffing and operational costs covered. The aim is that it will also pay for additional enforcement and equipment for traffic operations such as window tint measuring devices, breathalysers, speed guns and stingers.
These will be used to improve road safety where there is evidence of concerns in particular locations.
Once the initiative makes a surplus, the PCCs says it is intended that community groups will be able to bid for funding for local road safety initiatives, with the potential for the scheme to have an even bigger impact.
A total of 15 jobs have been created through the initiative, known as Safer Roads for West Midlands and there are plans to create apprentice posts as the scheme grows.
Mr Foster said: “I am pleased that West Midlands Police have decided to take on these speed awareness courses in house.
“Not only will they educate drivers and prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on our roads, but they will also help resource further enforcement and safety measures on our roads. Together, this should contribute to a reduction in the number of people being tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads.
“This is an innovative scheme that will have positive benefits and will sit alongside the many other measures I am working on, together with partners, to make our roads in the West Midlands safer.”
