Speeding Fines Scrapped as Police Freeze Speed Awareness Courses
Speeding tickets are being dropped after police suspended speed awareness courses for three months amid the COVID-19 crisis. Many drivers caught speeding are now getting off with just a written warning — no fines, no penalty points.
Minor Speeding Offences Not Being Prosecuted
Police forces struggling with the pandemic say it’s “not in the public interest” to chase minor speeding cases. Letters to motorists explain why prosecutions are being paused.
One reader of Motoring Research revealed his speed awareness course was cancelled, with the £100 fee refunded, due to coronavirus restrictions.
Lockdown Brings Faster Cars and Looser Enforcement
Traffic volumes have plummeted during lockdown, but some drivers are hitting terrifying speeds. The RAC reported a 40% drop in traffic by week two of lockdown, while journey times in Belfast’s morning rush hour jumped 13%, compared to 57% normally.
Meanwhile, shock videos showed one driver doing 151mph on the M1 over Easter, and another caught speeding at 130mph on the M25 claiming he was rushing to “avoid catching coronavirus”.
Speed Awareness Courses On Hold
Normally, motorists caught driving just 10% over the limit plus 2mph — like 46mph in a 40mph zone — can take a speed awareness course instead of getting points or a fine. These courses usually cost around £100 and help drivers keep their licence clean.
But with courses now suspended for three months, speeding offenders risk only a written warning with no further action. Police say this temporary move will help ease pressure during the pandemic.
