A SCHEME that offers speeding drivers an alternative to receiving penalty points and a fine has been heralded a success.

More than 25,000 drivers caught speeding in the Thames Valley region in the past 18 months have opted for a Speed Awareness Scheme (SAS) run by DriveTech.

DriveTech, which was shortlisted in this year’s Fleet News Awards, believes 90% of motorists are opting for the course, which takes three hours to complete.

Malcolm Collis, part of Thames Valley Police roads policing department, said: ‘It is clear from the attendee feedback that the SAS is playing a major role in changing the attitude and behaviour of drivers toward speed and speeding.’

Two courses are available, one for speeders recorded marginally over the 30mph limit and one for those speeding excessively.

Drivers have to meet certain criteria before they can attend the course.