AS a driver you always have to be on your guard – especially when it comes to obeying the speed limit. Although it is absolutely paramount for safety, sometimes it can become more difficult if you go to an area that you are not familiar with. However, if

AS a driver you always have to be on your guard - especially when it comes to obeying the speed limit.

Although it is absolutely paramount for safety, sometimes it can become more difficult if you go to an area that you are not familiar with.

However, if a camera does catch you speeding just above the set limit, you might not be subject to receiving three penalty points and a �60 fine, or proceeding to court, which would normally be the case.

There is another option, a National Speed Awareness Course.

And last week the 1,000th course to be held in Hertfordshire took place.

Since the courses began in August 2006, more than 16,000 speeding drivers have opted to take the course in lieu of points on their licences.

The scheme allows drivers who break the limit by a small amount - up to 10mph at certain speeds - to apply to attend the one-day course.

County councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said: "These courses are a constructive alternative to a fixed penalty and we receive a lot of positive feedback from those who attend.

"I believe they are making a real difference to driver attitudes."

The courses that include conditions such as only attending it once in a three-year period, are run by the county council's road safety unit on behalf of Hertfordshire Constabulary and are by police invitation only.

Around 10 courses per week are currently offered and are held in Hatfield and Watford.

Aimed to offer drivers help and advice in their awareness of speed limits and to improve their driving, they last for six hours and include both a classroom and practical session, costing the participants �105.

As the courses are run to a national syllabus, drivers who are offered the course can elect to attend any of the available ones around the country.

One attendee said: "I was pleasantly surprised not only by the way the information was presented, but also by the useful tips I picked up.

"I am confident my future driving will be a lot safer and there will be no excuse for accidentally breaking speed limits."

A police spokeswoman added: "We fully support the National Speed Awareness Course and welcome any steps to educate drivers on how to be safer on the roads.