Speeding - fine or naughty driver school?

LizD_2

I've just been flashed by a fixed speed camera. I accept that I've done it, I wasn't concentrating and could kick myself, because I know the road's 50mph, I think i was doing just just over 60. just to clarify I'm not in the habit of doing this, If anything I drive on the slow side. This is my first offence.
My question is will I just get a fine and points or do I get the option to do a speed awareness course instead? Also, as it was more than 10mph over the limit, will I get called up for reckless driving?

I'm not asking for judgement so please don't bother posting unless you have a sensible answer.

dap_3

No chance of you being done for dangerous driving or anything like that...
You will be offered the fixed penalty (3 points & £60 fine).

Probably won't be offered speed awareness course, they tend to only be offered to those which are right on the borderline of the ACPO guidelines for minimum speed enforcement (10% + 2mph - i.e. 57mph in a 50).

Murray

I'm sure you will just get the fixed penalty.

Theres lots of advice at this website if you want to find out more about it: Pepipoo

It's mainly for people who think that they have been caught unfairly but there is lots of general advice too.

LizD_2

I think I was doing just over 60, so it's likely I'd get the course? Would I still get points and a fine as well?

Mark7799

Depends upon which county you did it in. My guess is that you'd get the 3 points & £60.

Murray

Its highly unlikely that they will offer you the course if you were doing 60+ because you were outside the 10% + 2mph allowance (for different speedo calibration etc.). If you were doing between 55 + 58 maybe then you might have been offered the course.

LizD_2

Okay, just wanted to clarify what's likely to happen.
How long do they take to come through? I understand the offence doesn't hold up if they take more than a certain length of time to send you the penalty?

dap_3

The first S172 request must be sent at least by first class post, and within 14 days (to the registered keeper), although there may be exceptions if you have recently changed keeper details etc...

If you want to fight it, look at the forums on the site above - pepipoo.

Murray

Under normal circumstances they have to send you the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days. If its over 14 days then its to late to prosecute you unless you were driving a car registered to someone else.

All of this info is on the Pepipoo website that I gave the link too - its a very enlightening read! I wish I'd read up on it before I got my NIP :doh:

Also, if they do prosecute (i.e. fixed penalty), you can ask to see the picture. You should check that all the info on there is correct - date, time, location etc.

If you get prosecuted, you will also need to check your insurance companies T+C's. Some you need to tell straight away if you get points and others you only have to tell on renewal. If they say that you should tell them straight away and you dont then the insurance company wont cover you in the event of an accident.

Murray

oops I cross posted with dap...anyway we said much the same thing, I was just a bit slower about it!

LizD_2

I'm definetly going to check that site out when I get home. Thanks for your advice!