Drivers in Northampton could help reduce the cost of their insurance premiums after it was revealed that the number of motorists caught speeding has fallen by half, following the introduction of speed awareness courses.

The courses, introduced in 2001 by the Northamptonshire Road Casualty Reduction Unit, were designed to tackle the problem of speeding drivers in the area, with 86,000 people being caught in the first year they were run.

Figures show that last year, the number fell to 33,500 and plans are underway to introduce the initiative across the country.

Unit manager, John Spencer, said the numbers provided proof that the plan is working.

"Prosecution and points on a licence do not necessarily make someone a better driver and the speed workshops are a chance to directly influence driving attitudes and behaviour," he told the Northampton Chronicle & Echo.

The courses could have an impact on car insurance as fewer collisions and points on licences could potentially mean cheaper insurance cover.

Estimates from the Department of Transport show that there was a five per cent reduction in the number of road casualties for the twelve months ending September 2007, compared to the previous year.

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