Payments given to the Thames Valley Road Partnership for speeding have decreased following the introduction of alternative courses, it has said.

In 2005-06, the amount of speeding fines paid was 90,833 but fell to 75,248 between 2006-07, the organisation claimed, as reported by Buckinghamshire Free Press.

And the body noted that the decision by motorists to slow down has also played a part in the reduction.

Communications manager at the body Dan Campsall suggested that training courses could be a viable option for drivers and that the level of road safety has improved.

"We have been seeing a steady decline in the number of people getting caught for at least two years ... we are now retraining one driver for every one who gets points on their licence," he told the publication.

Patrick Sheehan-Dinler, 29, from Hertfordshire, has been given a suspended jail term after he made an offensive gesture to a speed camera.

Motorists caught speeding may find that their motor insurance premiums are negatively impacted upon.

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