DRIVERS caught speeding in Kirklees will be offered the chance to go on a special course instead of being given a fixed-penalty ticket.

Kirklees Council's highways safety team has developed a pilot speed awareness course as part of its efforts to reduce road casualties.

Fixed-penalty tickets comprise a fine and points on a driver's licence.

The £95 courses will be an option for police to offer to motorists from Monday.

The scheme will operate in the police divisions of the Kirklees area.

The `teachers' will be specially-trained driving instructors.

The course may be offered to motorists who are stopped for travelling above the speed limit, within a narrow band of speeds. Anyone travelling above this band will receive either a fixed- penalty notice or will be reported for a summons.

The course will include a session dealing with the issues that encourage people to speed and will offer help to make sure they can resist future temptation.

Motorists will take part in a practical session with the driving instructors.

Clr David Payne, council Cabinet member responsible for the environment and transport, said: "It's easy to believe you can actually make up time when you're driving. But this is pretty much a myth.

"Look at any town and the flow of vehicles is constantly being managed by traffic signal systems. So it's pointless for motorists to think they can save time by driving too fast."

Clr Payne added: "Sadly, speed is a factor in a third of all road crashes and there is evidence to show that motorists who drive too fast increase their risk of being involved in a crash."

The instructors will give advice and help on how to get the best out of driving without putting anyone at risk.

Clr Payne said: "There are plenty of things that can lead drivers to feeling stressed or wound up when they are driving.

"Our course will offer drivers an opportunity to look at their approach to driving and get a chance to address any faults which might be creeping in."

Police road traffic sergeant Andy Addy said: "Motorists who clearly breach speed limits to an unacceptable level or display a total disregard for road safety will not be considered as suitable for a police referral."

He added: "We are pleased to be part of the pilot scheme.

"We are confident that by operating a fair and consistent approach we will be able to contribute to the reduction of road collisions whereby road users suffer injury."