81mph in 50mph - speed camera van - advice please?

[Alfa159Ti]

Hi guys,

I got snapped by a speed camera van on Snake Pass the other day.

When I spotted it the only thing I could think of was 'bang to rights' - it was on a long straight coming downhill and I was speeding, simple as that. It is a blanket 50mph zone all along Snake Pass but unfortunately I didn't pay that much heed on the long straight. I thought I was doing about 75mph when it snapped me.

The summons that has arrived today however says I was doing 81mph and is a notice of intending prosecution issuing a court summons.

I was expecting a ticket and would not have contested it as I was in the wrong, but now wonder if I should maybe take some legal advice as this looks serious.

I have a clean license and rely on being able to drive in order to operate my business.

Can anyone give me any advice please?

[Alfa159Ti]

Thanks for your interest everyone.

Its interesting to see how it is perceived by others and I even understand the perspective of a few posting some rather severe responses. I too realise this looks bad. 81mph in a 50mph zone is well over the speed limit and sounds outrageous on the face of it.

Whilst we all have lapses of judgement, I consider myself to be someone who usually drives to the conditions and has consideration for other road users and I think this can be supported by my (until now) clean license and max NCB.

Anyone who knows Snake Pass will likely be familiar with the section of road I am talking about - with the reservoir behind you, the road straightens out, up to a little rise, after which it is downhill, long, straight and well sighted for about a mile. Its the best sighted stretch on the entire pass and one of the few areas where it would technically be possible to exceed 50mph as the rest of the road is so winding.

If I was unaware of exactly how fast I was going, it was because I was concentrating on the road, not my speedo, as I would hope any other driver does when driving on the open road.

However, the circumstances don't change the fact that I was caught exceeding the speed limit significantly. Hopefully the fact that it was an open road (and not for example, a built up residential area) will be taken into account, but I am in the hands of the legal system and the judge now.

Whatever the outcome of this event, I hope this post will serve as a reminder to all to take care. It is all too easy to get overly accustomed to a capable car and a familiar road and in this case it has landed me in trouble.

The camera van by the way was parked in the tree line in the lay-by on the left of the road, making it pretty much hidden from view. Despite the speed camera signs it is the first time I have ever seen one on Snake Pass.

I will add to this post as the situation develops in the hope that others can learn from my experience and in this case, poor-judgement.

[Alfa159Ti]

There was a little on the fields still at the higher stretches, but the sun had been out and the roads had mostly dried out.

I have received a notification by post.

And I understand your condemnation - I clearly was caught doing 81mph in a 50mph zone!

[Alfa159Ti]

Sorry guys - just re-read the thread and you are right, just to clarify, it is a 'Notice of Intended Prosecution' that I have received.

It says that they intend to take proceedings against me, which under the circumstances I have assumed (and continue to assume) will mean a court appearance.