Two speeding tickets on the same day!

Thurrafork

Hello folks


Just had the unpleasantness of TWO speeding tickets (Well, NIPs) landing on my doormat this morning!
It seems I was caught on camera twice - on the same day, about a week ago - driving to, and then from a job. Exactly the same spot. Doing 36 in a 30 zone.

Obviously this will total a £200 fine and 6 points on my licence!!

But this is just so frustrating as I'm sure part of the purpose of a penalty like this is to 'teach me not to do this again' - but with both arriving simultaneously I kind of don't have the chance to learn from an initial mistake.
Also, from an insurance perspective - if I was hypothetically asked 'have I had any speeding offences in the last 3 months?' The answer is - Yes, Two! Which paints the picture of someone who's perhaps offended, got points, then reoffended - basically it suggests someone who is rather more blithe about speed laws than I am! (I'm 41, been driving consistently since I was 17, and have previously had just one speeding ticket when I was 20. So no current points on my licence)

I'd just be interested to hear peoples thoughts on this.
Are they likely to take into account the relatively small amount over the limit I was going? Plus the fact that my driving record is pretty good up to now?
Might they offer a speed awareness course? If they do will that be a substitute for one or both of these offences?
If it's a substitute for just one would it be worth doing? I mean, again from an insurance point of view, what's likely to boost my premium most: Two 3 point offences, or one 3 point offence and the speed awareness course? (I'm with Admiral and I've heard they do raise premiums if you've done the course)


All thoughts very welcome as this is new to me. And the horrible Double Whammy nature of this means I just don't have a clue!


Help!!?


Thanks very much.

agrinnall

I'm not sure what you want us to tell you, you broke the speed limit twice, you have to take the consequences of your actions.

Quentin

jamieboo wrote: »

from an insurance perspective - if I was hypothetically asked 'have I had any speeding offences in the last 3 months?' ......

Your have to disclose motoring offences to insurers for 5 years not just 3 months!


3 points on your licence is definitely "better" than 6. Move away from admiral if they are more expensive at renewal, when you should shop round for the best deal


You can't expect any sympathy here!


(If you had killed/injured two people would you feel badly done to by getting two convictions?)

Thurrafork

Thanks folks


And honestly no sympathy expected!
'I did the crime I'll do the time.'
I just wanted to know how the 'time' is likely to pan out. I have no idea about this stuff. Are there known conditions in which they are more likely to offer the speed awareness course?
Or is this unequivocally going to end up a 6 points £200 deal.

AdrianC

jamieboo wrote: »

basically it suggests someone who is rather more blithe about speed laws than I am!

The kind of driver who might routinely do 20% over speed limits, you mean...?

Are they likely to take into account the relatively small amount over the limit I was going?

Yes. You'll get FPNs, not taken to court as you would if your speed was substantially over the limit. Your speed was not low enough that they'll take no action.

Plus the fact that my driving record is pretty good up to now?

Yes, you won't get a totting-up ban. That kicks in at 12 points in three years.

Might they offer a speed awareness course?

Yes, they might. It depends on if you've done one before in the last few years, and on your force's position on them. Your speed is low enough into prosecution territory that it's quite likely.

If they do will that be a substitute for one or both of these offences?

One.

If it's a substitute for just one would it be worth doing? I mean, again from an insurance point of view, what's likely to boost my premium most: Two 3 point offences, or one 3 point offence and the speed awareness course?

Why wouldn't you? It's cheaper than the fixed penalty, and you don't get points. You might even learn something...

(I'm with Admiral and I've heard they do raise premiums if you've done the course)

Admiral are the only company who ask about SACs. If an insurer doesn't ask, you don't have to tell them, but you do have to be honest if asked - although they have no way to verify an answer you may give.

You might find it cheaper to move to another company come renewal time.

wongataa

jamieboo wrote: »

I'd just be interested to hear peoples thoughts on this.
Are they likely to take into account the relatively small amount over the limit I was going? Plus the fact that my driving record is pretty good up to now?
Might they offer a speed awareness course? If they do will that be a substitute for one or both of these offences?

For 36 in a 30 a course is likely to be offered for at least one offence.

jamieboo wrote: »

If it's a substitute for just one would it be worth doing? I mean, again from an insurance point of view, what's likely to boost my premium most: Two 3 point offences, or one 3 point offence and the speed awareness course? (I'm with Admiral and I've heard they do raise premiums if you've done the course).

It is worth doing the course if offered. Only Admiral group ask about courses so any other insurance company does not care about them so will not load the premium for doing them. Of course Admiral would only know about you doing a course if you tell them. There is no way for any insurance company to find out if you have done a speeding course unless you tell them.

Car_54

At that speed, an offer of a course should normally be automatic provided you haven't done one in the last 3 years, and the offence was in England or Wales.

As others have noted, the Admiral group are the only insurers who ask about courses. No-one seems to know whether they actually load premiums as a result, but since many insurers even ignore the first 3 points it seems unlikely.

Iceweasel

Maybe they should introduce special offers for regular customers.

A bit like Tesco, Asda et al-

Maybe - 'Buy one - get one free.'

Or perhaps - 'Three for the price of two.'

Or even - '20% off your next purchase.'

[Deleted User]

You will most probably be getting an offer of a speed awareness course because at around £85 a pop the Police will make more money out of this.Its all about money after all..36 in a 30 is about 2 miles an hour over the limit for a fine. I was collared at only 34 mph in a 30 over 15 years ago and it affected my insurance for 5 years. Speed awareness courses were not about then. I did nt know that at only 34pmh it would have been dropped if I had appealed at 30 mph plus 10% with a 2mph +/- variation ( so I was told )

AdrianC

sacsquacco wrote: »

I did nt know that at only 34pmh it would have been dropped if I had appealed at 30 mph plus 10% with a 2mph +/- variation ( so I was told )

You were told wrongly.

The oft-quoted 10%+2 guideline is just that - a guideline. 31mph is illegal, and can be prosecuted. If you take it to court, you MIGHT be able to launch a successful technical defence based on the accuracy of the equipment. But, if you try, and you don't win, you will be facing substantial court costs.

Do you feel lucky...?

It's quite simple. 30mph is the default urban speed limit. It has been the default urban speed limit for the last 86 years, so you should be used to it by now. Whether you think it should be the default urban speed limit or not is irrelevant, as are your feelings on the enforcement. 30mph in a 30mph zone is legal. 31mph is not. 36mph is 20% above the 30mph limit.

Being nicked twice in one day, then being surprised by that fact and complaining because you didn't get the chance to change your behaviour after the first one, suggests that it's habitual and unconscious - which is getting very close to admitting driving without due care and attention.

Thurrafork

Excellent - thanks folks!
I'm relieved this is a good quick forum!
But yeah this is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. And I can't say that the occasional, gentle admonishment hasn't been condign!
Thanks very much.