speed awareness course

capeverde

A few months ago I was towing a heavy load, (almost 3.5t) near guildford and basically went through a red light. It was one of those touch and go ones where you would almost have to lock the wheels to stop in time and given my load I went through. It must have been milliseconds. I wasnt speeding and this is confirmed on the notice.

I was then offered the chance to go on a course for 90 quid or take 3 points and a fine. I chose the course as I have a clean license and at the time inquired as to the venue of these and was assured there was one close to me in south wales. Imagine my surprise then when I get my date through and they expect me to go to Coventry saying they have since changed the cenres and this is now the nearest one. Apart from the fact Im looking at 200 quid in fuel it will also involve a hotel as the course starts early and a 6-7 hour drive each way depending on traffic.

Any advice?

Hoof_Hearted

Take the points?

spacey2012

Did you look at the picture ? were you through the light but your load triggered the camera ?

TrickyWicky

Indeed if your load was following you but you had made it through the light I would rather go to court and argue it out. I suspect the fuzz will have dealt with these sorts of 'excuses' in the past though so you'll need to be prepared with breaking distances for your vehicle etc.

interstellaflyer

Are you sure Coventry is the nearest? I did mine in Newbury and venue was about a mile from the M4, I know it's still a bit of a slog but it's got to be closer than Coventry for you.

neilmcl

Who is the course supplier?

sarahg1969

How many months ago did the incident occur?

facade

capeverde wrote: »

Apart from the fact Im looking at 200 quid in fuel

Can't you go by coach/train?

It can't be more than a 350 mile round trip £200 would make that 11 mpg.

Johnmcl7

TrickyWicky wrote: »

Indeed if your load was following you but you had made it through the light I would rather go to court and argue it out. I suspect the fuzz will have dealt with these sorts of 'excuses' in the past though so you'll need to be prepared with breaking distances for your vehicle etc.

That would be no defence for going through a red light, there are no exceptions for large vehicles with longer braking distances - that type of defence would only apply to going through an amber light, aside from being physically pushed past or directed to a police officer there are few defences for a red light offence.

OP - bear in mind when decided to do the course or not that if you take the points you'll need to declare the offence/points to insurers for the next five years.

John

Strider590

capeverde wrote: »

was assured there was one close to me in south wales. Imagine my surprise then when I get my date through and they expect me to go to Coventry saying they have since changed the cenres and this is now the nearest one.

There's one in Worcester, I know it's open because I drive past it twice a week.

Johno100

Johnmcl7 wrote: »

OP - bear in mind when decided to do the course or not that if you take the points you'll need to declare the offence/points to insurers for the next five years.

On that point I've run my details through a comparison site with 0 and 3pts and there is barely any difference in premiums.

When the OP factors in petrol, overnight accommodation, food and either the loss of a days holiday or a days pay it doesn't seem to be worth his/her while.

Added to which some insurers are seeking disclosure of attendance on a Speed Awareness Course and treating it like a SP30 or TS10 endorsement.