Speeding fine

bunglebear0

Hi.
I've read through posts about speeding but I can't find a answer to this.
I was stupidly caught speeding. Something I don't normal do, but was caught out in a place it quickly goes from 40 to 30. I'm guilty of it, so not going to moan!
Ive received a Notice of Intended Prosecution. I can either pay £100 and 3 points, or go on a course and get no points.
I've read somewhere though that I will still have to pay around the same price for the course as the actual fine, is that right? Im disabled and suffer anxiety, so if it's the case the course is £100, I might just pay up instead of putting myself through the stress.
Any one know the answer? x

a.turner

Name yourself as the driver and they'll send you a conditional offer.

foxy-stoat

Yes, the course is normally about a 1er, usually miles from your home so you have to take a day off work.

If you don't normally speed then just take the points and pay the fine, in 4 years it will be off your licence anyway.

agrinnall

I take it you don't have any points on your licence already? If you do then an additional 3 may well have a nasty impact on your insurance premium, but 3 for an SP30 on their own shouldn't have too much effect so fine/points may be the better option for you.

TooManyPoints

A few things worth remembering:

I take it you have already named yourself as the driver (since you know the options available to you). If not, make sure you do so within the 28 days allowed as failure to do so sees you commit a separate, more serious offence which attracts a hefty fine, six points and a definite and serious impact on your insurance premiums.

If you are going to take the fine and points make sure you send off your licence with the payment. If you don't the offer will lapse and the matter will be dealt with in court.

bunglebear0

Thanks for all the advise.
With your help I've decided to pay the fine and get the 3 points .
I don't have any on my license at the minute.
Can't believe after 26 years of driving I made that stupid mistake!

When you say about Naming myself as the driver. What do I have to do? I have a form to fill out and send off, is that it? Then I will pay online.
And conditional offer? Is that what the £100 is?
Sorry, I must sound so dumb! Never been through this before though.
Don't suppose they let people pay in installments?!lol x

a.turner

bunglebear0 wrote: »

Thanks for all the advise.
With your help I've decided to pay the fine and get the 3 points .
I don't have any on my license at the minute.
Can't believe after 26 years of driving I made that stupid mistake!

When you say about Naming myself as the driver. What do I have to do? I have a form to fill out and send off, is that it? Then I will pay online.
And conditional offer? Is that what the £100 is?
Sorry, I must sound so dumb! Never been through this before though.
Don't suppose they let people pay in installments?!lol x

Read the paperwork you have it'll probably state notice is intended prosecution and Section 172 of the road traffic act. Fill in the 172 naming yourself as the driver and wait for an offer of a court or a fixed penalty notice.

Unfortunately you'll have to pay the £100 in one go.

TooManyPoints

When you say about Naming myself as the driver. What do I have to do?

The normal drill is that you receive a "Notice of Intended Prosecution" (a "NIP") together with a request for the details of the driver at the time of the alleged offence. You fill in and return the request. For 40 in a 30 limit you will then get the offer of a course and a "Conditional Offer of a Fixed Penalty". However police in some areas (Avon & Somerset for one that I know of) send out a "Super NIP" which includes the NIP, the request for details and the offers all in one go. This may be what you have.

The important thing is to follow the instructions. They will definitely include a requirement for you to provide your details and that is the document which, if you fail to complete, sees you facing the more serious charge. (It will almost certainly mention "Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act").

The Fixed Penalty is £100 and three points. Once again, it is a requirement of that offer that you send in your licence so make sure you follow the instructions. Finally check your insurance policy conditions. Some insurers insist that you inform them of any offences immediately, others only on renewal.

Supersonos

bunglebear0 wrote: »

but was caught out in a place it quickly goes from 40 to 30.

How did the speed limit change "quickly" and cause you to be "caught out"?

Were you expecting warning signs? Or the limit to first reduce to 38mph, then a few hundred yards later 36mph all the way down to 30?

The limit didn't change "quickly". it changed and you ignored it thinking you'd get away with speeding. Thankfully, you got caught and hopefully won't do it again.

agrinnall

Supersonos wrote: »

How did the speed limit change "quickly" and cause you to be "caught out"?

I assume the OP means that the road changed from national speed limit to 40 then a short distance later changed again to 30. I was once caught out by something like that on a road I didn't know, paid the fine and took the points.

Supersonos

agrinnall wrote: »

I assume the OP means that the road changed from national speed limit to 40 then a short distance later changed again to 30. I was once caught out by something like that on a road I didn't know, paid the fine and took the points.

If you're paying attention to the road, there's no reason to be "caught out".