First Time Speeding Ticket Help Needed!!

graemewh

I have recieved a letter stating I was caught by a LASTEC camera doing 39 in a 30mph zone, i know the area of te road and it doesnt have a fixed camera and there wasnt a visible camera present, I am not sure what to do as its my first speeding penalty and I am 100% sure I didnt seeany policeman holding a camera

dmg24

So were you speeding?

FARE-COP

graemewh wrote: »

I have recieved a letter stating I was caught by a LASTEC camera doing 39 in a 30mph zone, i know the area of te road and it doesnt have a fixed camera and there wasnt a visible camera present, I am not sure what to do as its my first speeding penalty and I am 100% sure I didnt seeany policeman holding a camera

I assume that the letter invites an explanation in reply or fixed penalty?

You could request a copy of a clear photograph showing that your vehicle was recorded. You may be asked to pay a small charge for the photograph, although I don't see why you should as it forms the main substance of their case.

They are alleging an offence and you have a right to defend any allegation. They have a legal requirment to be able to prove their allegation and furnish you with any evidence.

Try it and see what you get back, but whatever you do, don't ignore the letter.

Act promptly.

graemewh

I wont ignore the letter no way, its just a letter to fill in and say i was driving etc it doesnt say about fine and points yet.
THe point im syaing is the camera wasnt visible sohow many peoplehave escaped by seeing it in advance etc and they are meant to be visible

thebaldwindowfitter

if there are camera signs in the area that is all they need its sickening getting points for speeding .i was done for 39 in a 30 last year on dual carriage way and was offered a half day course which cost £80 but no points and no need to inform insurance

Mikeyorks

graemewh wrote: »

they are meant to be visible

Having been caught, over the years, by a police car hidden behind a bush adjacent to a Mway overhead bridge / by a policeman lurking behind a parked (civilian) car and - last year - by a policeman standing behind a garden wall in a little village in the Highlands .......... I've obviously got cause for complaint? Are you not confusing 'visibility' with the fixed cameras ..... which were required to be made visible (yellow / yellow and black stripes etc) .... but that has now been rescinded.

They neither have to be visible (eg unmarked police cars) .... nor (previous post) do there have to be camera signs.

You just have to return the confirmation that you were driving and they will offer you a fixed penalty or an optional course.

hayleyco

Is it even official?

Caroline73_2

The small child that runs out in front of cars isn't always visible.

mcduff16

It does my head in when people moan about speed cameras. It`s really quite simply- don`t speed and you won`t get caught in the first place!!!!!!!!!!!!

MaximumFish

I had my first last year from an equally dubious hand-held camera position. Unfortunately I did what I was told and filled out the form and (eventually) paid the fine. Don't do that just yet!

First thing to do is write them a letter saying that you have no idea who was driving your car that day, or even if it was driven at all. Ask them for their photo to refresh your memory. Just whatever you do, don't fill in the form they sent. They pretty much take that as an admission of guilt.

I know the letter probably says something about them not being able to give evidence unless it goes to court (which I personally think is blackmail) but you are entitled to see it.

Do that and see where it gets you. As I said, I rolled over and took the punishment, so I can't help if they keep pushing you, but I've heard of many cases going no further simply because evidence was requested.

Still, when all's said and done, even if you end up with 3 points on your license, odds are that your insurance won't go up as a result. Mine didn't.

Good luck!

ispartacus75

Yes its definately worth asking for a copy of the photograph. I did this only to find that the speed they said I was doing wasnt possible given the distance I had travelled between the 2 photographs they sent me. Needless to say it never went to court and I didnt get fined.