Of all of the offences that you are most likely to encounter, the offence of speeding is probably the most common. It is often the one area where the ordinary, otherwise law abiding person finds themselves, even if only temporarily, on the wrong side of the tracks.

Speeding offences are dealt with in one of three ways:

• by the issue of a fixed penalty and fine
• by a court attendance
• by attendance at a speed awareness court – with or without a fine or penalty points

If you have been charged with a speeding offence, or if you have received a Notice of Intended Prosecution (section 172 notice – see also the section entitled “failure to give information / identity of driver”) then you should contact keepmedrivingas soon as possible – in some cases it could be the difference between losing and keeping your licence.

The most common way in which those who have been speeding are caught is on a speed camera. An important effect of this is that you are not actually stopped at the time of the offence and the police are dependent upon the technology available to them to be able to succeed with their prosecution. In such cases, to establish the identity of the driver the police will contact the registered keeper of the vehicle (using a Section 172 Notice) asking them who was driving the vehicle at the time. Before you respond to this notice, contact keepmedriving so that we can advise you as to the best course of action for you to take.

Even if it is not possible for you to show that it was not you who was driving the vehicle at the relevant time, we may still be able to present a defence. Speed cameras are not always reliable and it is not unknown for cases to be successfully defended based on this. Therefore we would strongly urge you not to enter a plea, or to accept a fixed penalty notice, before you have spoken to keepmedriving and we have been able to give you appropriate advice.

The penalty for speeding ranges from 3 penalty points and a £60 fine to 6 penalty points and £1,000 fine (£2,500 for offences which take place on the motorway) and, in the most serious cases, disqualification. Where you have been driving at either 50% or more than 30 mph over the previaling limit, you will almost certainly be disqualified. keepmedriving can help you to minimise the penalty which you incur or, in some cases, avoid incurring a penalty at all.

There are often issues relating to the sign posting of speed limits and whether they are correctly authorised. keepmedriving can review the evidence and see if you have any technical defences. You should also note that speed cameras are highly technical pieces of equipment and must be set up according to strict guidance. If this guidance is not followed this may result in the failure of the prosecution against you.

For more information contact keepmedriving either by completing the appropriate online information form which you will find in the Getting Help section, by requesting a free call-back using the free, no-obligation call-back form to the right or by phoning us during office hours on 084 4804 4804