Many speed cameras are placed in accident
'blackspots' and have been proven to
significantly reduce road accidents in these areas. Most
people would agree with speed cameras being used in this
way.
However, many people believe that speed cameras are
placed intentionally to catch out speeding road users with
the purpose of issuing them with a fixed penalty for the
offence. A growing number of people from all walks of life
and from many motoring organisations are of the opinion
that this ploy is nothing more than a money raising
excercise.
When the speed limit changes down from the national
limit to 30mph, you will often notice what looks like a
white van parked at the side of the road. More often than
not, it's a mobile speed camera and by the time you
notice it, you've already been caught doing way over the
permitted 30mph! You get a fixed penalty fine and 3 penalty
points on your licence. OUCH!!
Not too many years ago, the speed used to be reduced
gradually from 70mph down to 50 then 40 before approaching
built up areas where there is, quite rightly, a 30mph speed
limit. Nowadays, no such consideration for drivers.
Dropping from 70mph to 30mph almost instantly is manageable
if you know the area and are expecting the drop. But when
you are travelling in areas that are unfamiliar to you,
dropping to 30mph with very little warning can often catch
you out.
Speed cameras have been unfairly placed in these areas
to deliberately catch thousands of unsuspecting road
users.
In 2007 it was revealed that 69% of road
users caught speeding were able to have their fines
revoked. Proof that you can indeed appeal a speeding
fine, and that a surprisingly high number of people are
doing so successfully!
So what do you do when you receive your speed fine? If
you get caught speeding or driving through a red traffic
light by a camera you will receive a 'Notice of Intended
Prosecution' within 14 days of the offense being committed.
This notification is sent to the registered keeper of the
vehicle. The notification will ask the owner to identify
the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offense. The
minimum fine for speeding or passing through a red traffic
light is £60 and three points on your license.
If you are the driver and you accept the prosecution you
may receive a conditional offer of a fixed penalty fine.
This means you will not have to appear in court, you just
have to pay the fine.
Sounds fairly simple so far? But what if you want to
appeal?
Fixed Penalty Appeal
If you intend to challenge the penalty i.e. you feel
there are circumstances that should be taken into
consideration. You can apply to go to court and be issued
with a summons. You then give your reasons for
disputing the speeding fine and present the evidence you
want to be taken into consideration by the court on the
summons.
If you do appear in court the magistrates will decide
your final outcome, but bear-in-mind they can revoke,
reduce or even increase your penalty and
points.
One of the biggest problems that motorists face is a
lack of information and communication when preparing their
court case appealing a speeding fine. Some road users never
even make it as far as appealing their fixed
penalty due to lack of help, support and advice.
Luckily a new ebook
has been produced to help
those in need of advice on how to
appeal their speeding fine.
A comprehensive guide to
appealing a speeding fine,
including information and examples
of successful appeals can be found
there.
Don't lose your driving license,
fight back... It's better than
catching a bus!
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