Speeding Update

[teacake44]

Well its been 14 days, and have not received any notification of a speeding fine, so it looks like I keep my 52 years of a clean licence, they must have been in a forgiving mood that day. :) :) I can't see anywhere that says 14 working days, unless you know?

[khaleesi]

most cameras don't have film in them. Did you see the flash? or was it a average speed check?

[New Judge]

It's 14 calendar days. But...

1. Are you the Registered Keeper (that is, do you hold the V5C)?

2. If you are, are all your details correct in every detail?

3. If they are, have you recently acquired the vehicle or changed address?

4. If they are, check the "docref" date at the bottom (of page 2 if I recall correctly).

[DTCwordfan]

it can be longer than 14 days - give it another two weeks at least...

[New Judge]

"...it can be longer than 14 days"

Not if all the above tests are satisfactorily passed, it cannot. If it is, it forms the basis of a defence against the speeding charge (though the accompanying request for driver's details must still be complied with).

[teacake44]

Van on side of road, but I think I was only doing 33 34 35 in a 30mph. Not an excuse I know but the car I had for 15 years, the speedo went 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 and so on, the 3 year old car I have now is 20 40 60 80 with no numbers in between and sometimes I loose it when I look down. :) the pointer is also very thick.

[teacake44]

NJ everything you point to is all in order, have always made sure of such.

[Denton]

I would wait,I got done by Northumbria Police doing 32 in a 30 Zone.£60 Fine and 3 Points. although Northumbria Police don't comply with the lee-way afforded by other Forces.

[New Judge]

You are vanishingly unlikely to see action taken below 35mph. The National Police Chiefs' Council has guidance that suggests that action will not normally be taken at speeds below (Limit + 10% + 2mph).

I have heard reports of drivers being prosecuted below that threshold but have never seen one at first hand.

[New Judge]

And Denton's is one report I have head of.

There's nothing more to wait for. If day fourteen has passed (with the date of the alleged offence being day 0) then no prosecution can follow. However, the onus will fall to you to show that the notice was elivered late.

[teacake44]

I did think of it being late, but I can't really see how one could prove late delivery unless you had to sign for such, and I believe they don't send by reg delivery.

[New Judge]

As far as Northumbria police goes, here's their document on speeding enforcement:

http://www.safespeedforlife.co.uk/driver-info/

Specifically: "NSRI and Northumbria Police follow the guidelines recommended by the National Police Chiefs’ Council as pertains to enforcing the speed limit in Northumbria"

[New Judge]

".and I believe they don't send by reg delivery."

No they don't. It would be up to you to give evidence in court as to the delivery date. Might be useful if you can catch the postman when he delivers a brown envelope and ask him to wait while you open it (I realise that is not always practical r possible).

[Baldric]

// doing 32 in a 30 Zone //
never heard of that before.

[teacake44]

Good idea!! post is the same time most days, 11.30/12.30am and always in, so will give it until the weekend, and then just forget it.

[New Judge]

If you are still concerned you can always ring the ticket office and ask if they have anything in train for your Reg No. If they have it will be to your advantage to find out. You may still see action taken (a course will be offered for speeds up to 42mph) but it will avoid the messy business of facing and having to defend a "failing to identify the driver" charge (which carries six points) if something has been sent to you an was lost. If there is nothing in train, because of the 14 day rule nothing van be initiated.

[Davemano]

I don't wish to take over this thread, but you may find the following interesting.

My granddaughter recently received an NIP - Notice of intended prosecution from the Greater Manchester Police, alleging that he car had been caught on camera exceeding the speed limit in Stockport a week earlier. This caused her some concern as a relatively new driver as she has never driven farther than the east coast areas. My son took it up with the GMP, and when the photographic evidence was shown the car was a different make and the Reg. No differed by one letter, showing an M not a W.
Apologies were given, but my son is a stickler for incompetence, and is 'dealing' with the matter.

[New Judge]

A simple plate mis-read. Happens a lot as they are read by humans. That's why, if ever in any doubt, you can ask for "photographs to help identify the driver". They seldom do help to do that (because they are designed to identify the vehicle, not the driver) but they can solve puzzles like this. Do not ask for "evidence". You are not entitled to any at that stage and the danger is that the police may assume you are contesting the matter. If they do they will go straight to court action instead of offering a course or fixed penalty.

[Denton]

Perhaps I should send you the Report,Baldric.!!!!

[Denton]

Baldric,Actually,who cares what you have never heard of before.

[Gladeian]

NJ can I ask your advice on the following? An acquaintance received a NIP in the post alleging contravention of speed limit in a 30 mph limit. He applied for and received photo "evidence" of the offence but when he and a skilled maths guy examined the photos they actually showed that he was doing 6mph (from the 500 millisecond lapse between the half metre bars.
So my question is this - should he opt for a court hearing, plead not guilty and then on successful finding of not guilty apply for substantial costs for his expert witness and possibly his lawyer or would he be supposed to notify the police that they were in error before the court hearing?