Speeding fines

ddelsabobs

I recently received a notice of possible prosecution following a journey on a road which I hadn't travelled on for some time.
The stretch of road was the m60 clockwise junction 25 Bredbury Stockport.Apparently there are a number of speed cameras for a 50 speed limit, I was doing 58mph assuming it was normal speed rules of 70.Has anyone else had any similar issues on this part of the motorway? Wondering whether it's worth disputing?

give_them_FA

Take a note of the signing- or lack of it. I don't know this particular stretch of road. But unless there are proper and adequate signs then you can dispute it.

ddelsabobs

Hi thanks for your help being a stretch of road I don't use much I assumed it was 70mph but do remember cameras but assumed for 70
I think I'll have a go!

give_them_FA

Drive along it again if it's local. There needs to be a standard "50" limit sign where the restriction begins, then I believe a repeater sign at less than 200 metre intervals. If they are not there or the signs are too far apart then you would have a case I believe.

HO87

At this stage the police are alleging that an offence has occurred, that is all. However, attached to the Notice of Intended Prosecution is a requirement that you (presumably as the registered keeper) identify the driver at the time of the incident. You must comply with this requirement regardless of whether there was an offence or not. Failure to identify the driver will result in you picking up 6 points and a hefty fine - usually in the region of £350-£500.

It is entirely normal for temporary speed limits at roadworks on motorways to be backed by traffic regulation orders (TRO's) making the 50mph and 40mph limits put in place legally enforceable. There are also sections of motorways where the speed limit is lower than the usual 70mph and these do have a habit of catching people out.

For your information part of the M60 clockwise at junction 25 has a permanent 50mph limit imposed in it put in place in 2009 because of a number of road accidents on the section. This is not therefore covered by a TRO but by a Statutory Instrument (a type of legislation that can be issued by the Secretary of State without it having to go before Parliament) called the M60 Motorway (Junction 25)(Speed Limit) Regulations 2009 - you can read the full version here (its quite short).

I do not know Greater Manchester Police's specific policy but at the speed alleged, provided you fulfil the other criteria, you are likely to be offered a speed awareness course - assuming that you have not attended another course within the last 3 years. This will cost (usually in the region of £80-110) but will not see any points put on your licence.

To answer your question, no I don't think it's worth disputing.

ddelsabobs

Hi thanks for the advice however what do you mean by "meet the criteria" for the speed awareness course?

interstellaflyer

ddelsabobs wrote: »

Hi thanks for the advice however what do you mean by "meet the criteria" for the speed awareness course?

I can't remember the figures but less than a certain amount over, I would imagine 58 in a 50 would qualify. I did a driver aware course last year and found it very interesting, it was more about improving your driving and I learnt an awfull lot, which I've put into pracice ever since. If you get the option, take it.

HO87

ddelsabobs wrote: »

Hi thanks for the advice however what do you mean by "meet the criteria" for the speed awareness course?

The criteria include:

Alleged offence must have taken place within an eligible limit (not all forces offer courses across all speed limits)
Speed must be within the bracket of signed limit + 10% + 9mph (some forces use a slightly lower addition of 6mph)
Have a full UK licence (or other qualifying licence)
Have 8 penalty points or less
Must complete the course - not merely show up.
Must attend the course within the period set down (usually 12 weeks, IIRC)
Some forces also require that you book the course within a set period of the offer (the most common period being 21 days).

sarahg1969

OP, other things to consider. Are you the Registered Keeper of the car? If so, did you receive the NIP within 14 days of the alleged offence? Was the NIP sent by first class post?

Stephen_Leak

A word of warning about these courses. They are always held up as a "get out of jail" card, with no conviction, fine or points, and therefore no effect on your insurance.

I shop around for my car insurance every year, and have noticed more and more companies not only asking about any points and fines or convictions as usual, but also now asking if you've attended a speed awareness course. I think we all know what will happen, if you answer, "yes".

Apparently, in Hampshire, so few people now speed and revenue has dropped, that they've had to start allowing people to pay to attend SACs. How would they then answer the insurance form question?

interstellaflyer

Stephen_Leak wrote: »

Apparently, in Hampshire, so few people now speed and revenue has dropped, that they've had to start allowing people to pay to attend SACs. How would they then answer the insurance form question?

They are called Driver Awareness Courses and they are open to anybody to attend if they wish, infact, the same courses are used by companies to promote safer driving for staff who use company vehicles, so I think the wording from the insurance company would need to be a bit more specific.