More than 7,000 motorists have been caught speeding in Derry in the last 22 months.

Figures uncovered by the Derry News show that a total of 7,233 people have taken part in a Speed Awareness Course after being caught over the speeding limit in the PSNI’s Foyle District since the start of 2013.

The course is offered to motorists as an alternative to receiving a fine and three penalty points on their licence.

Offenders are invited to attend a Speed Awareness Course at the discretion of the PSNI.

It covers offences detected by safety cameras and police officers at the roadside.

The local hotspots for speeding detections are understood to include the Culmore Road, Dungiven Road and the Crescent Link.

The four-hour course is delivered by the AA DriveTech at a local hotel and costs £89.

The speeding cases in Derry in the last 22 months have brought in revenue of £643,737.

Deputy Mayor of Derry, DUP Councillor Gary Middleton who sits on the North West Road Safety Committee, said the course is an eye opener for drivers.

“I haven’t sat the course myself, but I am well aware that it is quite hard hitting,” he said.

“It makes people aware of the effects of driving too fast.

“Whether it is having an impact is difficult to say.

“But I know of people who have taken the course who have had their eyes opened and adjusted their ways.”

“People want to save their licence and keep it clean so they take the course instead of taking the points and hopefully they won’t offend again.

“Ultimately, what we are trying to do is improve road safety.”

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