26th April 2007

NORTH WALES MP WELCOMES CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REMARKS ON NEW APPROACH TO SPEEDING

A North Wales MP has welcomed remarks by North Wales Chief Constable, Richard Brunstrom, that in next phase of the Arrive Alive road safety campaign in North Wales will be "softer edged, with more education and less punishment".

Mr Brunstorm said today that more speeding drivers will be offered the option of a safe driving course, for which they will be charged at least £60, instead of a fine and penalty points.

Commenting on the remarks, MARTYN JONES MP (Clwyd South) said:

"I have been campaigning for an alternative to penalty points since 2003, when I Tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament asking for this very scheme.

"Everyone recognises that inappropriate speed on our roads is unacceptable, however the Arrive Alive scheme adopted in North Wales, has proved very controversial.

"I believe that the introduction of speed awareness courses for minor speeding offences, as an alternative to prosecution will be widely welcomed - not just in North Wales - but across the UK.

"I am pleased that Richard Brunstrom is throwing his weight behind my idea.

"It is a far more innovative and progressive method of dealing with speeding offences and changing public attitudes.