Contest speeding ticket

Dave215

Not sure if this would be worth the effort.  Just been sent a nip for going 59 on m1 saying there was a variable speed limit of 50mph.  I remember it flashing me but was so certain it was an error or I'd mistaken a lorry flashing its lights I ignored it. I have a fairly new car with speed limit recognition system on that normally picks up changes of speed limit including variable speed limit signs and if I have it set up (which I did) limits you to that speed. I saw the camera flash, looked at my speedometer and it said 60, looked where it tells you the current speed limit in the car and it was 60. Looked at the next matrix sign which also said 60 and so ignored it.

Now just received a letter from south Yorkshire police saying I was doing 59 and it was 50.  I suppose there's a very low chance the offense occured 2 miles further down the road though as I never wrote down exactly where it is.

Is there any way of checking what the speed limit was then, not sure if there's a way to access this.

I'm just a bit annoyed with it and thinking I might be better turning this speed recognition thing off if I'm going to get my first ticket in 16 years of driving approximately 40,000 miles a year (drive for work a lot).  Would contesting it actually be worthwhile or would I just end up spending three times as much time and money as a speed awareness cost and end up with points on my licence. 

Barny1979

Depending on if the roadworks are still taking place, you can access the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order from Highways England, so for this one for example you can email for the documents, e.g. the reduced speed limit; https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/north-west/m56-junction-6-to-8-smart-motorway/#documents

Dave215

There's no road works there, haven't been any for a couple of years. It's just when the speed limit changes on the matrix signs usually due to congestion as it's a smart motorway on that section. 

Barny1979

Ah sorry, you could put an FOI in to ask, as presumably their systems will record when the variable speed limits change on each day and the reason.

bikeman17

Last Wednesday I was traveling from Northampton to London. The route was M1 to M25. When joined the M1 there were roadworks going south where speed limit was 50mph and I recall reading average speed cameras where in operation. I did notice many motorists zooming past in the fast lane probably thinking it's 70mph. 
Hope this help.

Manxman_in_exile

Dave215 said:

... I have a fairly new car with speed limit recognition system on that normally picks up changes of speed limit including variable speed limit signs and if I have it set up (which I did) limits you to that speed. ...

Out of interest, how does it "know" when variable speed limits change? 

(By way of explanation I know absolutely nothing about modern car technology - including GPS!)

Dave215

Traffic recognition system is supposed to be able to see the signs.  I was a bit sceptical when I first got it as it seems somehow futuristic and I thought maybe it was the built in satnav, but it does seem to work.  There's a road I often drive on nearby that changes from 30 to 50. At one point the 50 sign fell down and my car still said it was 30 for half a mile until there is a small almost hidden 50 sign and it was only then that it changed. 

David713

Dave215 said:

Traffic recognition system is supposed to be able to see the signs.  I was a bit sceptical when I first got it as it seems somehow futuristic and I thought maybe it was the built in satnav, but it does seem to work.  There's a road I often drive on nearby that changes from 30 to 50. At one point the 50 sign fell down and my car still said it was 30 for half a mile until there is a small almost hidden 50 sign and it was only then that it changed. 

Isn't that what your eyes are for?

Dave215

Yes, I agree.  I've had this car for nearly 2 years and only started using the speed recognition option a few weeks ago.  To be honest it just makes you lazy and pay less attention to the speed limit. Found myself in a national speed limit area going 60 a few days ago even though it's quite a winding narrow road and I should have probably been doing about 45 but it easy just to put foot down and think the car will stop me speeding. Think I'm going to turn it off now as I've now got my first ticket in 16 years after turning it on.
Apparently all new cars will have to have one with it set on as default within a few years and I don't really think it will help reduce accidents at all.

doningtonphil

Dave215 said:

Yes, I agree.  I've had this car for nearly 2 years and only started using the speed recognition option a few weeks ago.  To be honest it just makes you lazy and pay less attention to the speed limit. Found myself in a national speed limit area going 60 a few days ago even though it's quite a winding narrow road and I should have probably been doing about 45 but it easy just to put foot down and think the car will stop me speeding. Think I'm going to turn it off now as I've now got my first ticket in 16 years after turning it on.
Apparently all new cars will have to have one with it set on as default within a few years and I don't really think it will help reduce accidents at all.

That's almost a confession to driving without due care and attention too

TooManyPoints

If you haven't already done so, before you respond by naming yourself as the driver you can ask for "photographs to hep identify the driver" (do not ask for "evidence" as you are not entitled to any at this stage). They will usually provide you with a link. Such photographs rarely help with the driver's identification but what it will do in your circumstances is to provide a photo of your car and, taken at the same time, a photo of the matrix display that you passed. This should confirm the prevailing limit.

BTW, unsuccessfully challenging the charge in court will cost you a lot more than three times the cost of a course (which is a little under £100). You will pay half a week's net income by way of a fine, a victim surcharge of 10% of the fine (minimum £34) and costs which begin at £620. So no change out of £1k for most people.