A former police advanced driver has praised the course he attended after being caught speeding.

Nick Hodgson (52), a former West Yorkshire traffic officer who left the force in 1990, was caught speeding at 35mph on Rotherham Road, Wakefield, after a loss of concentration.

He said the four-hour session at the Priory Campus in Barnsley was "captivating" and reminded him of forgotten driving skills.

Hodgson added that he was also pleased that the fee for the course, delivered by trainers from the TTC Group road safety organisation, goes towards road safety education.

"I was pleased to hear that course fees make a positive contribution towards road safety and increasing road safety awareness," said Hodgson, who lives in Wakefield.

"I thought it would be a waste of time but it was a captivating course and a pleasure to attend.

"We all need reminding sometimes about forgotten driving skills.

"The trainer was talking about reading the road ahead which as an advanced driver I know all about but it was surprising how many people did not know about hazard perception and looking ahead.

"I came away from the course having re-learned quite a bit that I had forgotten.

"There were so many of us on the course who thought it was brilliant."

 

Glen Suttenwood, South Yorkshire roads policing chief Inspector, said: "I am pleased Hodgson feels he has re-learned some of his driving skills and that he found the course useful.

"It's designed to educate drivers and remind them of how to keep themselves, their passengers and other drivers safe on our roads, to further reduce injuries and fatalities in our county."