ADVICE NEEDED PLZ :(

[amv8beauty]

Hi
2
i recieved a NIP today (notice of prosecution) i went through a "red" light going 29mph.

i have to fill out details and give back it could get me a fine and 3 points

i already have 3 points and this will give me an additional 3

im only 23 and drive aston martin v8. i feel i may not be able to get insured with these amount of pts

any advice or words of wisdom

[Ice27]

Oops!!
Too late I'm afraid. Unless you have some grounds to contest it. The speed is irrelevant, I'm assuming it was a red light camera and that's going to be tricky to contest.

[amv8beauty]

thanks for the response

it was need a traffic light camera

[Jockman]

Anyone else on your policy to take the hit? If not, I would be surprised if you still couldn't find an insurer somewhere, though you may need to play with your excesses and mileage limit to keep if affordable. I get the feeling some of the more experienced guys and gals on PH will be able to guide you in the right direction

[Simpo Two]

amv8beauty said:

im only 23 and drive aston martin v8... any advice or words of wisdom

I don't know what you do but I wish I'd thought of it!

As for the offence, they want to know who's driving so they can nail them. Might get some ideas on the SPL forum.

[Ice27]

Unfortunately, I think you are about to add another 3 points and find yourself with a £60 fine.
After which, you will have to discuss the matter with your insurance company. You may well find that they increase your premium.

[toofastforme]

Looks like you'll be driving a Nissan Micra for a few years, until you learn to drive responsibly.

[UH-Matt]

Did the letter come registered post?

If not ignore it, or so I have been told. These things can disappear. Again no experience but been told if not registered post to ignore?!

[FraserLFA]

UH-Matt said:

Did the letter come registered post?

If not ignore it, or so I have been told. These things can disappear. Again no experience but been told if not registered post to ignore?!

It doesn't have to be registered/signed for etc. AFAIK. I'd always reply. It'd be worse if you don't.

[bogie]

it doesent have to come registered at all and if you dont name the driver, you end up with the points anyway

not much you can do with an absolute thing like a red light camera, especially if its got a good shot of a distinctive car

you could try the pepipoo forums, or even spend a fortune on a motoring solicitor, sure seems like a lot of potential hassle and cash for a 3 point offence though

[steveatesh]

Probably looking at technicalities really - was the NIP served on you (by post) more than 14 days after the alleged offence for example.
You can ask for the photograph and make sure it was actually your car that triggered it and not another one next to you. I believe you can ask for the certification and validation for the camera/radar setup (my understanding is that they have to be validated every so often - you might strike lucky!)

[Simpo Two]

I suppose you could call your insurers and ask what the premium would be if you had 6 points. At least then you can quantify the potential damage and decide if it's worth fighting or not. But cameras don't lie so unless you have a granny who can take the rap it's 99% sure to happen.

[amv8beauty]

cheers for all your responses.

really appreciate it i may ask for evidence just to see if it was my car that triggered the camera.

it also states on the letter that i may be eligable for some courses instead of three points. but they decide once i give my response to the letter.

[Ice27]

You probably recall whether you did this anyway.
If so, I wouldn't ask them for the evidence, just accept it, return the letter and (hopefully) take a re-education course....

And turn up in the Aston!!!!

[drcarrera]

Ice27 said:

You probably recall whether you did this anyway.
If so, I wouldn't ask them for the evidence, just accept it, return the letter and (hopefully) take a re-education course....

And turn up in the Aston!!!!

I agree with this. If you're fairly sure you did it, just send the NIP back and hope you get the chance for the course. However, I'm not sure whether they would deem jumping a red light too serious an offence to qualify for the course.

Whatever you do do not be tempted to pretend it wasn't you driving - you don't want a criminal record !

[Tonto]

drcarrera said:

I agree with this. If you're fairly sure you did it, just send the NIP back and hope you get the chance for the course. However, I'm not sure whether they would deem jumping a red light too serious an offence to qualify for the course.

Whatever you do do not be tempted to pretend it wasn't you driving - you don't want a criminal record !

Good advice, perverting the course of justice carries a prison sentence.

[Murph7355]

drcarrera said:

I agree with this. If you're fairly sure you did it, just send the NIP back and hope you get the chance for the course. However, I'm not sure whether they would deem jumping a red light too serious an offence to qualify for the course.

Whatever you do do not be tempted to pretend it wasn't you driving - you don't want a criminal record !

Would be my advice too.

Oh, and don't jump red lights. More of an indiscretion than generic speeding IMO.

[Ice27]

I know for fact that at least one Police force offer the re-education course for jumping red lights.

[amv8beauty]

to be fair it was a photo finish between being amber and red.

either way would be no point taking it to court as i would lose and end up paying bigger fine and also endangering myself in gettin more points.

as far as im aware my previous 3 points should be wiped clean next year.

its just ashame as if i wanted to upgrade in a year or two..the points will play a massive part.

just hope i get to take a course..do u guys think its worth writing a covering letter whilst sending my details..thoughts plz ??

cheers

[Ice27]

I think that their policy will already be set down and decided. I doubt very much that the clerk processing the paperwork will actually have much discretion or decide on a case by case basis.

Having said that, it may just be me being cynical!
You have nothing to lose by a well thought out covering letter and eveything to gain.

Good luck!