'Ridiculous' SNP failure to introduce speed awareness courses despite success in England
MSPs express frustration after more than a decade of consideration
SNP ministers’ failure to introduce speed awareness courses despite their success in England has been condemned as "ridiculous" and "deeply concerning" by opposition parties.
MSPs are frustrated at the lack of progress, a decade after the Scottish Government indicated support for re-educating speeding drivers as an alternative to prosecution, having considered them for even longer.
An evaluation of courses which have been operating south of the Border for nearly 20 years has estimated they reduce re-offending by up to almost 25 per cent, but they remain unavailable in Scotland.
The Scottish Government said discussions were continuing, including with the UK government.
West Scotland MSP Neil Bibby said he raised the issue with First Minister John Swinney eight months ago, but was still awaiting a response.
He said: “He promised action, but has failed to deliver. The Scottish Government first pledged to look at these courses 16 years ago and have explicitly supported their introduction for a number of years.
“It should not be this difficult to get them implemented in Scotland. It is frankly ridiculous that it is taking this long.
“The First Minister and Scottish Government appear to have never had a plan to introduce these important courses. Now they are saying they need help from the Westminster government, but have never indicated that this was required before.
“All they appear to have is excuses and it’s not good enough.”
Mr Bibby had told Mr Swinney at First Minister’s Questions earlier this month: “Is this not another case where, when the First Minister is found wanting, he gives us warm words, promises action and then does nothing?” Mr Swinney apologised for not replying to Mr Bibby and pledged to “take forward the necessary response”.
The lack of progress was also attacked by the Scottish Conservatives.
Transport spokesperson Sue Webber said: “It's deeply concerning that despite years of discussion, and the success of speed awareness courses elsewhere in the UK, the SNP Government has made little progress on introducing them in Scotland.
“The Scottish Conservatives have long advocated for these diversionary courses as an effective tool in improving road safety, but the SNP's lack of urgency on this issue is leaving communities at risk.
“The Scottish Government must work with the UK government to ensure that Scotland isn’t left behind when it comes to vital safety measures.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We support the principle of driver education as an alternative to prosecution in cases where this is appropriate, and recognise the potential impact that road traffic diversionary courses, including speed awareness courses, may have on road safety.
“While this area of law is reserved, a multi-agency group is continuing to consider how courses might work in Scotland and the Scottish Government continues to engage with the UK government on this issue.” It said the engagement was over the law changes required.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “The previous Lord Advocate agreed in principle - subject to approval of the detailed arrangements - to a Police Scotland proposal to introduce speed awareness courses, where appropriate, as an alternative to prosecution.
“We remain committed to playing a constructive role and supporting partners in further development work.”