I was speeding because there was an emergency. Can I use that as a defence?

Usually the only time that this can be relied upon as a defence is where the person in question was driving an emergency vehicle and it could be shown that in the circumstances there was no option but to travel at a speed in excess of that for the road in question.

However, if there was a genuine reason why you were breaking the speed limit, for example because of an emergency or because someone in the car was ill and needed to be taken for medical treatment, then, although the offence would have been committed, these circumstances may be regarded as mitigating circumstances and the Court may be able to use its discretion and reduce the punishment for the offence. If such circumstances do exist and you wish to use them as mitigation, then you will not be able to accept a Fixed Penalty and will need to attend court. We would recommend that you contact us at keepmedriving so that we can provide you with the appropriate advice.