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Research has shown that 16 per cent of drivers would rather accept a £60 fine and three-point penalty if convicted of speeding rather than attend the National Speed Awareness course to avoid prosecution.

The findings published by MoneySupermarket (click here to visit the site), Britain’s leading price comparison, highlight that it is not a given that all motorists would prefer to go on the educational scheme, even if it means paying a fine, having three points added to their license and stumping up an average of 17 per cent more in car insurance premiums as a result of being found guilty of speeding.

In total, 72 per cent would take up a place on the National Speed Awareness if caught out and MoneySupermarket’s Pete Harrison, who is a keen advocate of extensively searching around for the cheapest car insurance deals, said: “It’s no surprise the course option is proving to be the most popular with motorists.

“The National Speed Awareness Course was introduced to give motorists caught speeding the opportunity to re-educate themselves on the effects and dangers involved.

“By attending the course, motorists will avoid the three points on their license and the £60 fine providing it is either the first time they are caught, or that haven’t taken the course within the last three years.

“Insurers clearly take a dim view on policy holders who speed and this is reflected in higher car insurance premiums. Motorists can expect to see their premiums rise by around 17 per cent on average for the first offence, and this will continue to increase the more convictions you get. For repeat offenders, some insurers may even refuse to cover you.
“Not only are motorists who flout the law by speeding risking the lives of other road users and pedestrians as well as their own, they also run the risk of adding to the existing headache of sky high car insurance premiums.”

Over half (53 per cent) of those involved in the survey view the course as a way of stopping their car insurance premiums from increasing by nearly a fifth and 14 per cent think they can learn something from the programme, which is determined to drive down the number of road traffic accidents in the UK and increase awareness of the need for motorists to be more responsible.

Harrison, a car insurance expert, added: “My advice to motorists concerned by the cost of their car insurance is to always scour the market for the best deal for your circumstances.”