Rather than resurrect the old thread (which tended to steer off into other wild subjects), here are the promised results of the Speed Awareness Course, which I attended yesterday.
Summary: Got flashed doing 36 in a 30 zone back in July on the A69 Carlisle to Newcastle. Was given the option of prosecution and 3 penalty points, £60 fine, or take the course at £67.
There were 25 persons in the class. All age groups from boy and girl racers, to grandmothers, truck, bus and car drivers.
Course included various short video films showing the aftermath of fatalities caused by speeding vehicles, demonstration videos showing what happens when braking / speeding, facts and figure graphs, etc etc etc. To be honest, just what you would expect from one of these courses, but may I add, it was interesting.
We were informed that not all cameras are swithed on at any one time. In some cases, only 1 in 4 is actually recording (even though it will still flash). It was also pointed out that most persons caught in a 30 zone doing less that 39mph are given this opportunity rather than be prosecuted. They gave several reasons for this, but I'm not going to write paragraphs on it. Note that they did stipulate, other polite forces may have variencies on this.
They said that "mobile" camera vans, VOSA and police, are only allowed to operate at approved loactions, which were pre-designated, due to having had a history of serious accidents. They cannot just stop the van, and set up anywhere. Various leaflets were handed out showing all cameras locations and mobile van possible locations, plus accident and fatalities for that location.
Overall, the course was interesting, but on top of the £67 for the course, it cost me £65 in petrol and a days holiday from work to attend. ( 3 hours duration)
I will add, I am still glad I took this option rather than take the points.
Summary: Got flashed doing 36 in a 30 zone back in July on the A69 Carlisle to Newcastle. Was given the option of prosecution and 3 penalty points, £60 fine, or take the course at £67.
There were 25 persons in the class. All age groups from boy and girl racers, to grandmothers, truck, bus and car drivers.
Course included various short video films showing the aftermath of fatalities caused by speeding vehicles, demonstration videos showing what happens when braking / speeding, facts and figure graphs, etc etc etc. To be honest, just what you would expect from one of these courses, but may I add, it was interesting.
We were informed that not all cameras are swithed on at any one time. In some cases, only 1 in 4 is actually recording (even though it will still flash). It was also pointed out that most persons caught in a 30 zone doing less that 39mph are given this opportunity rather than be prosecuted. They gave several reasons for this, but I'm not going to write paragraphs on it. Note that they did stipulate, other polite forces may have variencies on this.
They said that "mobile" camera vans, VOSA and police, are only allowed to operate at approved loactions, which were pre-designated, due to having had a history of serious accidents. They cannot just stop the van, and set up anywhere. Various leaflets were handed out showing all cameras locations and mobile van possible locations, plus accident and fatalities for that location.
Overall, the course was interesting, but on top of the £67 for the course, it cost me £65 in petrol and a days holiday from work to attend. ( 3 hours duration)
I will add, I am still glad I took this option rather than take the points.
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