Serious driving offenders 'do not admit responsibility'

Date: 29/9/2010

A proposed driving course for motorists convicted of numerous offences would not be effective, new research has implied.

The Daily Telegraph reported a study commissioned by the Department for Transport found some drivers would rather accept licence points or a ban than attend a class.

Under the proposals, people with between seven and 11 points on their licence or a driving ban could be offered fresh training in exchange for deducted points or a reduced prohibition.

But the report - entitled Offenders and Post Court Disposal Courses - was not optimistic the plan would be a success.

It concluded serious driving offenders "see their penalties as a result of bad luck or overemphasis by society on motoring offending rather than due to illegal or dangerous driving on their part".

Robert Gifford, Executive Director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, added courses need to change people's attitudes rather than merely educate them on driving.

A recent survey conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists found most drivers intend to stick to speed limits but find themselves unable to bide by the rules.

Posted by Mary Treen