What a short break...

glsammy · #26 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan

Not that sods law again John

Bad luck Graham, stick to Attenborough, only the dragonflies speed there

It will take some persuasion to get me out of Nottinghamshire, Leicstershire, Derbyshire in the future! Every time I go further a field I end up with unexpected expense..

Good old Attenborough...I know all the speed limits!!

matt_xyz · #27 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 11:12 AM

can I offer a piece of advise Graham? Reply to the notification to prosecute using recorded delivery. A few years ago I got caught by a speed camera and duly returned the paperwork stating that I was the driver etc. I then heard nothing for around 3 months and naively thought that they had let me off. I then had a policeman turn up at my door and formally caution me ('you have the right to remain silent' etc) for not providing documentation when requested! Basically they hadn't received the form that I returned to them.

After a number of letters and phone calls I eventually persuaded them that I had in fact returned the paperwork and they 'let me off' with the original fine and 3 points. In future I will always return documents to the police using recorded delivery!

Another point is that if you contest the fine I think it automatically goes to a court hearing. Once it does that, the minimum fine increases (it used to be £100 but may be more) and you have to pay court costs. It was explained to me that the £60 fine (and 3 points) is a privilege not a right and is only done to streamline the system. Anything that makes a case slightly more complicated will result in it going to court. I was told this around 5 years ago when dealing with my case, it may have changed since.

I must admit I always feel it's a 'fair cop' when I've been caught speeding. As long as speed limits are clearly marked then I can't complain if I'm caught exceeding them, even if the camera was hiding in a tree

Matt

glsammy · #28 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 11:22 AM

Thanks for the advice Matt.
My point is that I was NOT aware I was speeding. If I was, fair enough. The road in question has just been rebuilt, and I could see no speed restriction signs anywhere along it's length.
Anyway, I'm a member of Which? Legal Services, I'm waiting for a call from them and I will follow their guidance.

matt_xyz · #29 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsammy

My point is that I was NOT aware I was speeding. If I was, fair enough. The road in question has just been rebuilt, and I could see no speed restriction signs anywhere along it's length.

Ah, I see. That does seem harsh then. It will be interesting to hear what advice you get. Keep us posted!

Matt

glsammy · #30 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 12:04 PM

I've now had my reply from Which Legal Services, and nailed their first attempt to fob me off. I am legally entitled to any and all information, prior to any decision about going to court. So they can't simply say further information will only be made available at court, as they clearly state in their information.

Boddie · #31 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 04:42 PM

Yes thats right Graham.

How can you contest something if you dont have the evidence? You can see how snide they are. Ask for everything - my list covers all. By all means return the NIP but dont incriminate yourself in any way, and the recorded delivery was good advice.

glsammy · #32 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

Yes thats right Graham.

How can you contest something if you dont have the evidence? You can see how snide they are. Ask for everything - my list covers all. By all means return the NIP but dont incriminate yourself in any way, and the recorded delivery was good advice.

I've taken every ones advice many thanks all of you. I've sent a letter by recorded delivery. I used some of your points Boddie, but I've held some back for a further reply.

I've admitted nothing, stating that so far as I'm concerned I wasn't speeding anywhere.
Which? Legal services have asked me to inform them of their reply, they will support me on this if I get an unsatisfactory response.
Be interesting to see what they say...

glsammy · #33 (**permalink**) 31-07-2006, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

Yes thats right Graham.

How can you contest something if you dont have the evidence? You can see how snide they are. Ask for everything - my list covers all. By all means return the NIP but dont incriminate yourself in any way, and the recorded delivery was good advice.

I'll add that I've not yet returned the NIP, I've got 28 days to see what happens.