Mitigating a speeding penalty

[Marius C]

My friend (really!) got caught doing 88mph in a 40 zone on motorbike. Leaving the "what a swine" comments aside, he's very worried about getting a ban as he uses his car to visit his children every weekend - there's really no way to get to them without the car. He is very contrite and prepared to get rid of the bike so he doesn't do it again.

When he goes to court (and I understand he will), what could he say/do to avoid a ban? Will selling the bike help - could he offer to do a speed awareness course or pay a bigger fine? TIA

[Loosehead]

Over twice the speed limit is hard to escape a ban, just a lot of contrition, no point hiring a solicitor that'll just be more dosh down the drain. He'll probably get 56 days ban and 6 points probably a couple of hundred quid fine. On the good side the 6 points are described as nominal as they will not be there when the licence is returned. I speak from personal experience 132 in a 60. Tin hat is on! cue sanctimonious comments.......

[woodchopper]

Did you miss the run-way Lossehead ? :o)

[spaced]

thats the first time my jaw has actually hit my desk. Loosehead you psycho!

[spaced]

..excuse my comments but as a fleet manager who gets fines daily, it still peeves me.

Our Maintenance Manager was caught doing 103 in a 60, a will probably face 6 pts, 14-56 ban and a fine.

So your "mate" is looking at a similar punishment.

[scotstone]

Driving at that speed in a 40 mph limit is a good way to ensure that some other parent will get to never see their children again. So whining that he won't be able to visit his own children if he gets banned is a bit rich. He deserves a long ban to give him time to reflect that at least he can use public transport to see his children.

[jake-the-peg]

I think it's pretty clear that he's in line for a ban.

Generally in marginal cases the thing that makes a difference is that a ban would cause others to suffer.

That's normally in cases where somebody does a lot of charity work that they'd otherwise be unable to do.

The family line is the best bet but if it just means a 3 hour train journey rather than a 20 minute car journey they'll not be best pleased!

But to be honest I really think that it's a pretty long shot.

Speed awareness courses are usually offered for people who are relatively slightly over the limit.

I think the guideline is less than 38mph in a 30.

I'm biting my tongue but these are the sort of cases that make me think that speed cameras are good after all.

[Paul22118]

Good advice - buy a bus pass.

[Stim]

I got caught on my bike doing an estimated 167mph in a 40 by a policeman on a teabreak at 3.30am,who heard me a mile off and speedgunned me,ok it was a 1 mile long bypass road with nothing near it and no side turns, just between two roundabouts at either end, but the judge went ape at me in court,got down from his seat and gave me the full hairdryer treatment for 5mins (which i deserved for riding like a complete nobber),i got sentenced for 18months with no reprieve and a �15,000 fine plus a three year ban,and got the crap beaten out of me every darn day by the inmates just cos they could,and I tell You now,i never go over the speed limit,just dont do it Doods,it aint worth it,it's a mugs game. You know it makes sense :+) I now attend track days.