MAGISTRATES ATTEND DRINK DRIVE REHAB COURSE - Wednesday, May 21st, 2008
Staffordshire magistrates know all about the rehabilitation course for drink drive offenders after attending a “taster” session at Newcastle under Lyme Magistrates Court.
Mel Hughes, of course provider the TTC Group, gave 60 JP’s a “walk through” of the three day course on which they send newly convicted drivers.
“We had some very good feedback from magistrates. They were quite amazed about information on alcohol units, the time it takes for alcohol to be absorbed and health issues on alcohol,” said Mel, who held two separate seminars for magistrates.
“They now really appreciate what we put course participants through during the drink drive rehabilitation course.”
Magistrates learned how one in four drink drivers are now caught in the morning unaware that they are still over the limit from the night before.
JP David Alcock said magistrates had been “surprised” by some of the information on the course relating to how long alcohol stayed in the body and the fact that drinks are now stronger and served in larger glasses.
“The course was excellent. It was a very powerful message about the effects of alcohol. There needs to be some sort of education programme for young people to drive this message home,” he said.
More than 10,000 drink drivers attend 850 courses across the UK, organised by the TTC Group, whose HQ was officially opened by the Princess Royal last year.
In Staffordshire, a total of 735 motorists, who were caught driving over the limit, got up to a quarter off their driving ban after successfully completing the 18 hour course.
North Staffordshire magistrates referred a total of 569 onto the highly acclaimed course which has been praised for reducing reconviction rates. Most drink drivers who attend the course say they wished they had the knowledge about alcohol, units, absorption rates, health and effects on driving ability before they broke the law.
Courses are held in Burton, Hanley, Leek, Lichfield, Newcastle, Stafford, Tamworth and Uttoxeter.
The TTC Group is the UKs largest provider of the drink drive rehabilitation course. It also provides courses on speed awareness and the National Driver Improvement Scheme on behalf of police and local authorities.Training is also available for the corporate sector on alcohol and drug awareness as part of a detailed education programme for fleet drivers. For more information call 0845 270 4380 or visit www.ttc-uk.com
