Conditional - Driving Through Red Light Charge

[gavski]

Having received a notice of intended prosecution for driving through a red light, it explains how it is a 'Conditional Offer' where I will be fined �60 and 3 points on my license. Fine fair cop. It says however I would receive a summons from the Magistrates court if my speed was excessive.

My speed was 70mph in (worse case scenario) what I believe was a 40mph zone (it was an unfamiliar place). Would that warrant a summons? or are they talking 100mph excessive. If so, what can happen in a summons?

I appreciate any answers in advance.

Gavin

[Grunty]

These are the guidelines that the police work to. No doubt JudgeJ will be along soon to explain the penalties that the court has available. If your margin was 30 m.p.h. above the limit, there could be a ban involved.
Fixed Penalty Summons
20 mph 25 mph 35 mph
30 mph 35 mph 50 mph
40 mph 46 mph 66 mph
50 mph 57 mph 76 mph
60 mph 68 mph 86 mph
70 mph 79 mph 96 mph

[Grunty]

Sorry - my answer was compressed. The first column is the speed limit, the second is the minimum speed for a fixed penalty. The third column is the speed at which a summons would be issued.

[gavski]

Thanks for your quick response Grunty.

I wish i broke when I saw the light!

I pray that the zone was 50.

[Buenchico]

Grunty has answered your question. I'll just add that, if the case does go to court, you shouldn't try to excuse your excessive speed (as you seem to be trying to do here) by stating that it was 'an unfamiliar place'. The magistrates would take the view that someone driving in an unfamiliar place should be taking extra care (and keeping their speed down), so, by admitting speeding in an unfamilar place, you'd be making matters even WORSE!

Chris

[WoWo]

As far as I know they don't put traffic lights in areas which would be a 50mph limit, it would be too fast for a driver to be able to stop in safety.

Could be wrong.

[gavski]

yes, i've checked the devon camera website, all lights are 40 max and the one in question is 40.

thanks for your thoughts as well chris, i haven't got a clue what to say then. looks like i'm staring down the barrell of a ban.

does anyone know what is the minimum ban you can receive for a crime like mine?

Gavin

[Gmcd01]

I believe the standard ban is 12 months for a first offence and a retake on the licence...although I'm not in the office and I'm talking from memory (traffic law not my speciality) so don't take me at my word.