According to figures released in parliament, 953,428 drivers chose to take speed awareness courses rather than receive points on their licence last year compared to 447,724 in 2010 – a rise of almost 113%.

And 772,430 motorists chose the course instead of points in 2011 and 926,101 in 2012.

Motorists pay a fee to complete the national speed awareness scheme. The aim is to encourage them to drive at lower speeds by changing their attitudes, which includes showing them the potential consequences of speeding. But if a driver commits another speeding offence under the same criteria within three years of the first offence then they will not be offered the option of a second course.

Policing minister Damian Green, responding to a written parliamentary question, said: 'The offer of a speed awareness course is at the discretion of the police. To be deemed eligible there must be no excessive speed or other offences committed at the same time. Information on previous motoring convictions is not taken into account.'