Speed Awareness Course Cost

[gina32]

having a conversation with some friends the subject of speeding came up and that the cost of one of these is different in different police counties, surely the course should be the same price wherever its done?

[CrapAtCryptics]

It depends on the overheads and who the service is contracted out to - my naughty wife ( lead boot ) paid £90 for hers recently.

[sunny-dave]

The providers can charge what they like - but equally you are free to choose any course - so if it's cheaper in a nearby County you can go there.

I am surprised that the courses are currently less than the £100 fixed penalty (plus three points) that is the alternative - I expect them to be quietly raised over the next few months.

[gingejbee]

Following that argument, there are lots of things that vary area to area/county to county....should they all be priced the same, regardless of location? Don't think so....

[gina32]

on this occasion I think so yes!

[gina32]

it would be like saying ok we will charge £100 for speeding in x county but £125 in y county

[sunny-dave]

Not so Gina - you don't have to attend a course in the same County in which you live (or where you were caught) - you can go to a course anywhere in England.

[CrapAtCryptics]

if its any help my wifes was at Huntingdon

[gina32]

yes I know you can

[Prudie]

I got caught in Dorset and had no option other than to go to the course centre they offered me - in Dorset.

[sunny-dave]

They're bending the rules then Prudie - you are supposed to be offered a full National list of locations and dates.

[sunny-dave]

Ah - sorry missed db's reply - it seems weird that they can opt out like that though :(

[sunny-dave]

Now £100, db, even for prompt payment

https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties

[New Judge]

“Prudie, That's right. and if you payup straight away I think it's £60 not £100.”

I take it you are referring to the Fixed Penalty (£100 + 3 points) db. There is no discount for early payment. The penalty is £100.

Of course if the Speed Awareness course is deemed poor value you can always turn it down and go for £100 and 3 points instead.

[Prudie]

When I did it about 3 or 4 years ago the course was more than fixed penalty, think it may have been £60 plus points or £80 for the course.

[New Judge]

No I don't, db.

If there is a "National" Scheme it should apply, er....nationally. There are far too many local deviations from so-called national schemes and processes (the very worst IMHO is the Scottish legal system, but that's another story). The idea of making the scheme a national one is that drivers are often caught speeding some distance from where they live. If someone from Cumbria has to travel to Dorset to do a half day course it could well add around ten hours travelling and about £100 worth of fuel. Hardly a straightforward way to deal with low level speeding offences.