MOTORISTS who are caught going too fast will no longer be given driving lessons on speed awareness courses.

In a bid to cut costs and improve results, Lancashire police and the county council have decided to adopt a theory-only model for speeding motorists who avoid fines.

Last year the threshold was increased so that people caught driving up to 42mph in a 30mph zone would be offered the course instead of facing prosecution.

According to the council, research by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is set to be released which suggests that motorists are not benefiting enough from the driving lessons to justify the cost and time.

On 52-year-old from Chorley, who was caught doing 37mph in a 30mph zone, said he was disappointed not to do the driving on a recent course.

Instead, he paid £69 to sit in a classroom at Centurion Way in Leyland from 4.30pm until 9pm.

He said: “When we asked about the driving we were told that some areas didn’t do it and that they were standardising across the country.

“The course was useful and quite interesting, we were shown videos and asked to identify risks. Some of it was Highway Code questions reminding you of things you should already know.

“But I had been looking forward to the practical element.

“We’ve been told in the past that these courses reduce the number of accidents and speeding figures, so I’ll be interested to know of that’s still the case with the changes to this course.”

Vali Birang, head of sustainable transport and safety at Lancashire County Council, said: “Recent national research revealed that, although there were benefits with the practical element, clients weren't benefiting sufficiently to justify the additional time and cost.

“Furthermore, The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) wished to standardise the course provision throughout the UK and increase take-up of the courses.

“Lancashire Police has therefore decided to adopt the theory-only model, which is now in operation throughout the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“The cost of the course for clients in Lancashire is now £69.00.”