Caught speeding but moving house?

inhoping

Ok i got my first (and hopefully last!) speeding ticket recently, doing 48 in a 40. I am normally very careful about this sort of thing it was on the A591 road, a road which if you google you will see has a lot of people getting caught out because they recently changed the limit from 60 to 40 because of an unrelated crash not associated with speeding (go figure!)

Anyway I'm not contesting it because technically i was speeding, so i hold my hands up. However, i just filled out the 172 notice which harshly states (and contrary to what I've read online) that i MIGHT be offered a course, what I've read online states i get three options, but i see none here.

Anyway, my main point: if i am offered a course thats great, I've just sent the 172 form back via recorded post, but i am also due to move house probably within the next 3-4 weeks (I'm moving out of my mums house, she will still be living there)

When i do this i need to change my driving license to the new address so I'm worried correspondence won't match up because I'm no longer there, also If i attend this course after the move (when my license is updated to the new address) it won't match up there as well?

I am worried this will all get confusing on the police's end and i will get in trouble in some way.

Any advice folks?

Thanks!

Ebe_Scrooge

Firstly, your point "However, i just filled out the 172 notice which harshly states (and contrary to what I've read online) that i MIGHT be offered a course" - a course is always only ever an option, you have no automatic right to be offered one.


In terms of your address, no problem. What you WOULD get in trouble for is not updating both the V5 and your licence with your new address ( you need to ensure both are updated, one does not automatically update the other ). As long as you do that, there's no issue - obviously, make sure you either redirect your post or get your mum to forward it, so that you can respond to any correspondence without delay.

Car_54

First, the offer of a course isn't automatic, and it is entirely at the police's discretion. In practice, the most likely reason not to offer one would be lack of available places.

Second, the change of address shouldn't be a problem, as you will still get any mail sent to Mum's address. I'd be surprised if the police don't simply continue to use the address they have - I can't imagine they re-check your licence details every time they write.

If you've moved a long way it may be possible to take the course at a more local venue.

inhoping

Car_54 wrote: »

First, the offer of a course isn't automatic, and it is entirely at the police's discretion. In practice, the most likely reason not to offer one would be lack of available places.

Second, the change of address shouldn't be a problem, as you will still get any mail sent to Mum's address. I'd be surprised if the police don't simply continue to use the address they have - I can't imagine they re-check your licence details every time they write.

If you've moved a long way it may be possible to take the course at a more local venue.

Yes i know that about the course, however if I'm not offered the course (which it states isn't run by them its by a separate series of companies etc) then its what? automatic 3 pts and £100?

also from what i researched i get three options but this form was just stating I MAY BE ON A SPEED AWARENESS COURSE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PROSECUTION.

Why? did i go beyond the threshold or something? this form looks nothing like the ones i find online? i was doing 48 in a 40, it states 46 is limit of something??

Speed limit: 40 mph
ACPO charging threshold: 46 mph
Summons: 66 mph

I dont understand this?

Car_54

I suspect the letter you have is just badly worded. It will be amazing if you don't get the offer of a fixed penalty.

Ebe_Scrooge

inhoping wrote: »

Speed limit: 40 mph
ACPO charging threshold: 46 mph
Summons: 66 mph

I dont understand this?

These are the guidelines as to when they will charge you. Generally they "allow" you to do 10% + 2mph over the speed limit ( these are guidelines, though, not guaranteed ).


Anyhow, what they're saying here is that up to 45mph they'll let you off. At 46 mph they'll issue a fixed penalty. 66 mph or more and you won't get a fixed penalty, you'll have to go to court for a more severe fine/points/ban/whatever the magistrate deems appropriate.


For full details, see the section called "Speed Enforcement" here :
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/p_to_r/road_traffic_offences_guidance_on_fixed_penalty_notices/


Note particularly :
"Note that these are guidelines and that a police officer has discretion to act outside of them providing he acts fairly, consistently and proportionately"


<edit> that link doesn't seem to be working for some reason. Go here and click on the bit at the bottom that says "more information" https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties

inhoping

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

These are the guidelines as to when they will charge you. Generally they "allow" you to do 10% + 2mph over the speed limit ( these are guidelines, though, not guaranteed ).


Anyhow, what they're saying here is that up to 45mph they'll let you off. At 46 mph they'll issue a fixed penalty. 66 mph or more and you won't get a fixed penalty, you'll have to go to court for a more severe fine/points/ban/whatever the magistrate deems appropriate.


For full details, see the section called "Speed Enforcement" here :

Note particularly :
"Note that these are guidelines and that a police officer has discretion to act outside of them providing he acts fairly, consistently and proportionately"


<edit> that link doesn't seem to be working for some reason. Go here and click on the bit at the bottom that says "more information"

ok so anywhere between 47 and 65 mph means what exactly?

also offered a fix penalty? i want to be offered a course! i can attach a scan of the letter here if helps?

stormbreaker

You will most likely be offered a conditional offer. Either a course or points and or a fine.

There won't be any confusion. The letter will go to whatever address you have completed on your form.

Your address can change several times but your driver number remains constant unless you change your name by marriage or deed poll.

Rover_Driver

inhoping wrote: »

ok so anywhere between 47 and 65 mph means what exactly?

Generally in a 40 limit:
40-46, No action
47-53, Offer of Speed Awareness Course
54-65, Offer of a Fixed Penalty
Over 65, Summons to court.

EssexExile

inhoping wrote: »

ok so anywhere between 47 and 65 mph means what exactly?

also offered a fix penalty? i want to be offered a course! i can attach a scan of the letter here if helps?

It means you broke the law & will have to suffer the consequences. The miscreant doesn't get to choose the penalty.

inhoping

EssexExile wrote: »

It means you broke the law & will have to suffer the consequences. The miscreant doesn't get to choose the penalty.

That's fine, i accept my law braking and the punishment is fine (it just differed to what I've ready i can expect)