My scenario.......
May 2013 ticket for 81 in NSA zone on dual carriageway by camera van
Points and fine.
No arguments as " a fair cop".
Mid 2014 23 in a 20 zone by camera van
Paperwork came through...letter offering a speed awareness course.
I thought it odd due to previous ticket inside time limits.
Tried to book a course on internet but failed to.
Contact local Safety Camera Unit. Sent email and got reply they would check.
Told them I was confused due to timescale and deadline dates etc
Reply came....
They had put wrong date on the offence on their computer so it appeared I was past the deadline to apply for awareness course.
This was corrected and I was able to sign on for the course.
When querying my eligibility for the course I was told that a new 20mph course system was starting and I would be eligible. I was in one of the first groups nationwide and would be sent a survey quesrionaire after the course re its effectiveness etc, as a type of guineapig.
Course attended.
Told clearly that records would be wiped as NO OFFENCE would be recorded. The only record as such was the date of the course for their use only re future eligibility.They did say that it was not compulsory to inform insurers and was anti insurers on this point. He added that at the time Admiral were the only ones asking. He added again that data protection prevented disclosure of the course as NO OFENCE recorded. He left it as " it's up to you if you do or not".
The people running the courses are private companies.
On my course date there were 2 sessions, am and pm, with 20 in each
40 x £80 = £3200
Not a bad earner after venue hire( hotel conference room) and wages for 2 course takers.
My opinion of the course?
Worthwhile as it gave excellent reminders re hazard awareness etc that most drivers will get slack on.
In my survey reply I added a comment that such a reminder course would benefit every driver not just speeders. It has certainly made me more aware.
