Any advice on contesting a speeding fine?

SirRustalot · 22nd September 2014, 18:14

Generally, I never speed. I was on my motorcycle on a road I know well and apparently got snapped by a 50mph camera in an area tha drops from 70-50-70 all within about 300 yards on a busy stretch of motorway. Now, I always drop my speed to at least 10mph below the limit when I approach these things 'cos I don't trust them and I'm absolutely positive I wasn't speeding since I slow right down approaching cameras without thinking. To add to that, I had a satnav/camera thing on my tank that flashes when I approach cameras. I remember it all well.

Anyway, they say I was doing 60mph but I highly doubt it. It was a crystal clear, dry day and I was just ambling down the road.

I plan to contest it but having never been done for speeding before, I'm unsure where to start. What's the worst that can happen if I contest it and they decide to prosecute me anyway? The cash fine is outrageous (£100) and I've had a clean licence for ever. Point of note: this particular camera on the A90 near Laurencekirk is infamous for raking in something like 300 drivers a day in fines. I feel there's tomfoolery afoot.

Any thoughts? I'd prefer this from people who have managed to save their cash and licence or from those who have actually gone through the process in any shape or form. Thanks.

Rocky1162 · 22nd September 2014, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirRustalot

Generally, I never speed. I was on my motorcycle on a road I know well and apparently got snapped by a 50mph camera in an area tha drops from 70-50-70 all within about 300 yards on a busy stretch of motorway. Now, I always drop my speed to at least 10mph below the limit when I approach these things 'cos I don't trust them and I'm absolutely positive I wasn't speeding since I do it without thinking. To add to that, I had a satnav/camera thing on my tank that flashes when I approach cameras. I remember it all well.

Anyway, they say I was doing 60mph but I highly doubt it. It was a crystal clear, dry day and I was just ambling down the road.

I plan to contest it but having never been done for speeding before, I'm unsure where to start. What's the worst that can happen if I contest it and they decide to prosecute me anyway? The cash fine is outrageous (£100) and I've had a clean licence for ever. Point of note: this particular camera on the A90 near Laurencekirk is infamous for raking in something like 300 drivers a day in fines. I feel there's tomfoolery afoot.

Any thoughts? I'd prefer this from people who have managed to save their cash and licence or from those who have actually gone through the process in any shape or form. Thanks.

Hi.

It all depends on your licence , and how many points that you already have. However, if you just ignore this, the chances are that they will not pursue it. Police Scotland have the highest SP rate in the UK, and since they streamlined it to Police Scotland, it all happens out of one office. Something like 50 to 60 % are not pursued as they simply cannot spare the staff. If you are one of the unlucky ones, all that will happen is that you will get a letter from the PF, asking you why you never paid, and giving you 10 days to pay. It is usually up to the PF, they could give you an extra point for being late, but again they do not want the paperwork. If you are sitting on no points, or only three points, then I would let it slide, and see what happens. But that is me, what you decide to do is up to you. But my figures are accurate. R

SirRustalot · 22nd September 2014, 18:45

Never had a point. I''ve got a clean licence and not on any police radar etc. I'm a good citizen.

Interesting advice. I think I'm most definitely contesting it so will wait until the PF letter.

Rocky1162 · 22nd September 2014, 18:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirRustalot

Never had a point. I''ve got a clean licence and not on any police radar etc. I'm a good citizen.

Interesting advice. I think I'm most definitely contesting it so will wait until the PF letter.

I was driving down to Edinburgh late one night a few months ago, and I heard this on Radio Scotland, there was a Police Officer, A Lawyer, a Guy from the AA, and they were lambasting Police Scotland for targeting the motorist. Police Scotland also have 70% more fines than the rest of the UK, and have been heavily criticised in the press and media. As of May 2014, they had already doubled their fines on the complete whole of 2013. Thing is, it only becomes a fine when you produce your licence, and pay the money at your local sherriff court, and if it goes the other way, then "Oh dear, my apologies I completely forgot". They are hardly going to haul you away Capone, lol.
I wish you luck. R

pab · 22nd September 2014, 18:55

Awarenes course is your best bet..

Vossy · 22nd September 2014, 19:13

This is your best place ... fight back

Heddy · 22nd September 2014, 19:23

Surely they will have photographic evidence to back up their claim? Your case will depend on them not. I did a Speed Awareness course (the first time) but it wasn't offered the second time, maybe because I was 'snapped' 10mph over the limit. I found the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) impossible to ignore, it was time sensitive.

alanjay · 22nd September 2014, 20:40

Tell them you had SatNav on and it's more reliable than speed cameras.

MevagisseyMedic · 23rd September 2014, 06:03

Do not tell them you have a sat nav.
I keep my maps updated all the time and driving the vehicles i do every day i am constantly seeing speed discrepancies from TRUE road speeds compared to satnav. At the end of the day you should have been observing the road and speed signs and not the satnav.

Satnavs are good for telling you the speed your doing but are not so good with the latest road speeds, our council's are changing road signs left right and centre and 3 years down the line the satnav's have not caught up.

I am constantly updating tomtom with road changes hoping they will be on the next update but it seems to take longer than i would like.

Avulon · 23rd September 2014, 06:42

Ask for the photo to help you to identify the driver. Then if there is nothing else ninth e picture or no obvious reason why it might be wrong on the speed measured accept the fine &points. If contested the fine & costs will shoot up and you are likely to get more points as well. Most insurance co won't up your premiums for a single speed offence,so is it really worth the fight?

22nd September 2014, 18:14	#1
SirRustalot Gets stuck in Box of ales and some cheap sunglasses Join Date: May 2010 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 670 Thanks: 323 Thanked 174 Times in 92 Posts	Any advice on contesting a speeding fine? Generally, I never speed. I was on my motorcycle on a road I know well and apparently got snapped by a 50mph camera in an area tha drops from 70-50-70 all within about 300 yards on a busy stretch of motorway. Now, I always drop my speed to at least 10mph below the limit when I approach these things 'cos I don't trust them and I'm absolutely positive I wasn't speeding since I slow right down approaching cameras without thinking. To add to that, I had a satnav/camera thing on my tank that flashes when I approach cameras. I remember it all well. Anyway, they say I was doing 60mph but I highly doubt it. It was a crystal clear, dry day and I was just ambling down the road. I plan to contest it but having never been done for speeding before, I'm unsure where to start. What's the worst that can happen if I contest it and they decide to prosecute me anyway? The cash fine is outrageous (£100) and I've had a clean licence for ever. Point of note: this particular camera on the A90 near Laurencekirk is infamous for raking in something like 300 drivers a day in fines. I feel there's tomfoolery afoot. Any thoughts? I'd prefer this from people who have managed to save their cash and licence or from those who have actually gone through the process in any shape or form. Thanks. __________________ Chocolate digestives - now there's a biscuit you can trust. Last edited by SirRustalot; 22nd September 2014 at 22:56..

22nd September 2014, 18:45	#3
SirRustalot Gets stuck in Box of ales and some cheap sunglasses Join Date: May 2010 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 670 Thanks: 323 Thanked 174 Times in 92 Posts	Never had a point. I''ve got a clean licence and not on any police radar etc. I'm a good citizen. Interesting advice. I think I'm most definitely contesting it so will wait until the PF letter. __________________ Chocolate digestives - now there's a biscuit you can trust.

23rd September 2014, 06:42	#10
Avulon This is my second home 1.8t Tourer Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tanelorn Posts: 4,830 Thanks: 956 Thanked 1,148 Times in 916 Posts	Ask for the photo to help you to identify the driver. Then if there is nothing else ninth e picture or no obvious reason why it might be wrong on the speed measured accept the fine &points. If contested the fine & costs will shoot up and you are likely to get more points as well. Most insurance co won't up your premiums for a single speed offence,so is it really worth the fight? __________________ Need a T4 ?: T4 Owners Map thanks to Stevestrat ( use at your own risk) Where?: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanelorn Mods/Retrofits: PCV vortex 'filter'; bluetooth; inline thermostat; reversing sensors; plenum spyhole ; headlamp washers ; Diy mp3 player replacing CD multichanger; FBH with remote; Headlamp washers; black/chrome front grille, rear blind; Xenon projectors To do: puddle lights; 2 Din cd/nav to fit; boot release button

22nd September 2014, 18:55	#5
pab Banned MG ZT V6 190+ Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Leeds Posts: 33,223 Thanks: 41 Thanked 1,614 Times in 1,416 Posts	Awarenes course is your best bet..

22nd September 2014, 19:13	#6
Vossy Why? ... MG ZT+ Cdti Auto saloon. Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Blockeswich, South Staffs Posts: 1,549 Thanks: 173 Thanked 483 Times in 330 Posts	This is your best place ... fight back

22nd September 2014, 19:23	#7
Heddy This is my second home None Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: None Posts: 5,556 Thanks: 465 Thanked 1,161 Times in 924 Posts	Surely they will have photographic evidence to back up their claim? Your case will depend on them not. I did a Speed Awareness course (the first time) but it wasn't offered the second time, maybe because I was 'snapped' 10mph over the limit. I found the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) impossible to ignore, it was time sensitive.

22nd September 2014, 20:40	#8
alanjay Passed Away Rover 75 Connie Tourer Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Guildford Posts: 2,582 Thanks: 682 Thanked 979 Times in 612 Posts	Tell them you had SatNav on and it's more reliable than speed cameras.

23rd September 2014, 06:03	#9
MevagisseyMedic Avid contributor Rover 75 Club Tourer 2002 Auto Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Mevagissey, Cornwall Posts: 234 Thanks: 19 Thanked 19 Times in 14 Posts	Do not tell them you have a sat nav. I keep my maps updated all the time and driving the vehicles i do every day i am constantly seeing speed discrepancies from TRUE road speeds compared to satnav. At the end of the day you should have been observing the road and speed signs and not the satnav. Satnavs are good for telling you the speed your doing but are not so good with the latest road speeds, our council's are changing road signs left right and centre and 3 years down the line the satnav's have not caught up. I am constantly updating tomtom with road changes hoping they will be on the next update but it seems to take longer than i would like.