Speeding Ticket Help

tyroneshoelaces

Ok, I have been issued with a speeding ticket. I was caught by a speed van. I have no arguments or problems with that. I was caught doing 35 in a 20 zone - not great but I thought the area was a 30, even if it was, I still would have been speeding but it wouldn't have been so bad. Believe it or not I have lived in the area for 8 years and have never noticed the 20mph markings on the road until I drove up and down there yesterday evening in search of signs. Its a busy area, with two shops and lots of speed bumps so they eyes have to be everywhere and not necessarily looking at the road for speed markings!

I was amazed that there are no signs anywhere that I could see. Hence why I thought it was a 30. I was under the impression that road signs should be visible, I mean the road markings stating "20mph" are probably not that visible at night anyhow.

Would anyone happen to know if the road markings have to accompanied with road signs? It would make sense to me that this would be the case.

I am not after finger waggers or people telling me I am naughty for speeding. I know I have done wrong, it is my first speeding ticket in 18 years of motoring...I am gutted but the penalty will be right, whatever that might be.

neilmcl

When you say "road markings" do you mean having the prevailing speed limit printed on the actual road itself? AFAIK this is not mandatory and road signs themselves are enough.

foxy-stoat

Speed limit signs are all that is needed.

tyroneshoelaces

neilmcl wrote: »

When you say "road markings" do you mean having the prevailing speed limit printed on the actual road itself? AFAIK this is not mandatory and road signs themselves are enough.

Yes, the 20mph is painted on the road in a round circle. I mean, I have been caught speeding and as I mentioned, it is my own fault but I could not see signs on lamp posts etc etc. This is why I have always believed the road to be 30mph.

tyroneshoelaces

foxy-stoat wrote: »

Speed limit signs are all that is needed.

I completely understand that but there are speed limit signs that are attached to lampposts or posts and then there are the markings on the road (as in my case). I would have thought that the road markings are not enough alone to make the speed limit clear. As I stated, I honestly had no idea it was a 20mph zone and I have lived in the area for many years!

If there were road signs, I probably would have known. I find it strange.

uknick

It is a little worrying you've lived in the area for years, and I assume driven down that road, but never noticed great big 20 mph markings on the road. Post the Google map link so we can see where you're talking about.

tyroneshoelaces

uknick wrote: »

It is a little worrying you've lived in the area for years, and I assume driven down that road, but never noticed great big 20 mph markings on the road. Post the Google map link so we can see where you're talking about.

I find that completely unbelievable as well. I have spoken to my neighbours who also had no idea, or my wife for that matter.

neilmcl

Google street view map?

tyroneshoelaces

Actually, upon looking at Google Maps, it looks as though there are only two sets of signs. One at each end of the 20 zone but nothing in between them. I am staggered that I have never seen them. It amazes me actually.

tyroneshoelaces

Here is the street view map. https://goo.gl/maps/8RMJjeXmDZGwZiA8A

The signs at entrance as you see it on the street map, not particularly clear if you are turning right onto this 20mph zone. It is a horrid junction with a blind bend to the left, so you really have to sort of go for it, by the time you have turned onto the road, you are almost past the signs -anyhow, I am not making excuses.

The signs further up the road (which are located outside the shops) signal the end of the zone but again, it is always so busy around there with cars parked, people walking and such as well as speed bumps that they are not instantly visible.......I still cannot believe I have not seen them though!

tyroneshoelaces

If you look at the aerial view, of that junction, you will see that it has changed. They have added a yellow box and turned the one exit road into two. You need eyes everywhere these days!