oooops got caught on the M6

[hollowpockets]

Was heading down to blackpool on friday for the rally at the tvr factory and was stopped by the BIB, they were sat on sliproad at junction 40 and followed me for 5 miles (im always looking in the mirrors so god knows how i didnt see him) at an average of 107.4 mph, yes silly i know, was running late, from aberdeen to get to blackpool in time for the event. the road was not particularly busy, 10.30 on friday. most traffic moving at 80-90mph

the copper was sound and polite to me, just confirmed ownership and insurance, said that my driving was not dangerous, otherwise would have stopped me sooner, but that should someone have fallen asleep they may veer into my path etc.

now i have 3 points on my licence currently, 7 just expired the 4 years period. i am aware that bans come into play above 100mph, but not sure what to expect.

i am 21, which doesnt look good, but obviously a big sportscar fan, and usually only take out anger on track days etc. however my father passed away over 3 years ago, and mother early this year. i have a 19yr old brother and 15 yr old sister so i am in the position of looking after them and taking sister who i am responsible for to school and having to drive to work, loosing my licence would make this extremely difficult.

i expect to be punished and am prepared for the worse, what should i likely expect?

if i get a ban will i start again with clean licence? i would prefer a short ban and a bigger fine than carrying a load of points, that may tot up the 12 again within 3 years. what would be best situation?

cheers folks

graham

[randlemarcus]

hollowpockets said:

Was heading down to blackpool on friday for the rally at the tvr factory and was stopped by the BIB, they were sat on sliproad at junction 40 and followed me for 5 miles (im always looking in the mirrors so god knows how i didnt see him) at an average of 107.4 mph, yes silly i know, was running late, from aberdeen to get to blackpool in time for the event. the road was not particularly busy, 10.30 on friday. most traffic moving at 80-90mph

the copper was sound and polite to me, just confirmed ownership and insurance, said that my driving was not dangerous, otherwise would have stopped me sooner, but that should someone have fallen asleep they may veer into my path etc.

now i have 3 points on my licence currently, 7 just expired the 4 years period. i am aware that bans come into play above 100mph, but not sure what to expect.

i am 21, which doesnt look good, but obviously a big sportscar fan, and usually only take out anger on track days etc. however my father passed away over 3 years ago, and mother early this year. i have a 19yr old brother and 15 yr old sister so i am in the position of looking after them and taking sister who i am responsible for to school and having to drive to work, loosing my licence would make this extremely difficult.

i expect to be punished and am prepared for the worse, what should i likely expect?

if i get a ban will i start again with clean licence? i would prefer a short ban and a bigger fine than carrying a load of points, that may tot up the 12 again within 3 years. what would be best situation?

cheers folks

graham

Oops. Given that you were over the ton, you are almost certain to get a ban. WOuld recommend seeing a lawyer to try and use the hardship argument, and try and get away with a very short ban, and a clean start. Only works once, mind, so get something that reminds you that you are speeding. Can I suggest a Caterham or similar?

[tigger1]

hollowpockets said:

if i get a ban will i start again with clean licence? i would prefer a short ban and a bigger fine than carrying a load of points, that may tot up the 12 again within 3 years. what would be best situation?

37mph over the limit (average) for 5 miles?? And you didn't notice there was a car tailing you? Whether you get a ban or not I'd be considering driving a little more in keeping with the (arbitrary / unfair but nevertheless legally acceptable) speed limit.

And yes, my horse has stilts on

I honestly hope you don't get a ban, it doesn't sound like you've committed the crime of the century, but I'd be expecting it as a distinct possibility.

[markelvin]

Quote - so get something that reminds you that you are speeding........

What, Like a wife!!!!!

Edited by markelvin on Monday 6th November 13:49

[mondeohdear]

I would have thought a one month ban would be do-able. Just mention your sister, after all Gavin Henson just got one month and £1,850 for 110mph on the basis of his charity work.

[tigger1]

markelvin said:

Quote - so get something that reminds you that you are speeding........

What, Like a wife!!!!!

Edited by markelvin on Monday 6th November 13:49

Aye, Mrs Tigger usually gives me a little nudge once the lepton mark is approaching...and deep down I know she's right, but when it's so easy to exceed....ggrrrr....

"He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy".

[virgil]

Mate, both sorry to hear about your parents and the much less important collar feeling.

There's been a few cases on here where 100+ has not meant an instant ban...so fingers crossed.

And if you can't afford a wife get a road angel...

Good luck.

[justinp1]

hollowpockets said:

Was heading down to blackpool on friday for the rally at the tvr factory and was stopped by the BIB, they were sat on sliproad at junction 40 and followed me for 5 miles (im always looking in the mirrors so god knows how i didnt see him) at an average of 107.4 mph, yes silly i know, was running late, from aberdeen to get to blackpool in time for the event. the road was not particularly busy, 10.30 on friday. most traffic moving at 80-90mph

the copper was sound and polite to me, just confirmed ownership and insurance, said that my driving was not dangerous, otherwise would have stopped me sooner, but that should someone have fallen asleep they may veer into my path etc.

now i have 3 points on my licence currently, 7 just expired the 4 years period. i am aware that bans come into play above 100mph, but not sure what to expect.

i am 21, which doesnt look good, but obviously a big sportscar fan, and usually only take out anger on track days etc. however my father passed away over 3 years ago, and mother early this year. i have a 19yr old brother and 15 yr old sister so i am in the position of looking after them and taking sister who i am responsible for to school and having to drive to work, loosing my licence would make this extremely difficult.

i expect to be punished and am prepared for the worse, what should i likely expect?

if i get a ban will i start again with clean licence? i would prefer a short ban and a bigger fine than carrying a load of points, that may tot up the 12 again within 3 years. what would be best situation?

cheers folks

graham

Mate.

I think that is the definition of hardship. Through advising on such matters for some time, I have not seen a better reason than that for the magistrates to understand your situation.

It is just about in ban territory should they feel like it, though recently not often, and 6 points has been given out. That you could not really argue. However, if you and your family really are going to be put out for example if your sister has no other way of getting to school, weigh up the pros and cons of arguing against a short ban. The ban would not add points but insurance companies do ask about it, so it may cost you more for the next five years.

I think in this sitution if you are pleading guilty I am not sure that legal representation would help you, and would of course cost you. I have defended myself a few times as long as you put the facts over well, and tell the truth you will be fine, and I think the mags will respect you for it.

If possible, I would also bring some kind of proof of your situation or a statement from a family friend to show how you are holding up the family and what has happened, as if possible you should always offer up some proof of what you are saying to them so that they can discount the fact you are 'embellishing' the truth - something which is certainly not true here.

Let me know if you need a hand, theres no shame in reading something out in court if you dont feel confident reeling it off unaided.

All the best mate, and good luck.

[hollowpockets]

virgil said:

Mate, both sorry to hear about your parents and the much less important collar feeling.

There's been a few cases on here where 100+ has not meant an instant ban...so fingers crossed.

And if you can't afford a wife get a road angel...

Good luck.

thanks virgil, these things happen, just need to get on as best possibly can,

Wife???? hmmmm nah

do road angels detect traffic cops?

on second thoughts i just need a trip to specsavers and a good slap.

Edited by hollowpockets on Monday 6th November 15:53

[Balmoral Green]

hollowpockets said:

said that my driving was not dangerous, otherwise would have stopped me sooner, but that should someone have fallen asleep they may veer into my path etc.

And the relevance of that is?

It may be just as valid to say that someone did fall asleep and veer into your path, but because you were doing 107 you had passed them by a fair margin and luckily the lane was vacant and they got back into thier own lane safely without incident. Had you been doing 70 though, you could have intersected with the other car at exactly the same time and been in a collision.

[hollowpockets]

Balmoral Green said:

hollowpockets said:

said that my driving was not dangerous, otherwise would have stopped me sooner, but that should someone have fallen asleep they may veer into my path etc.

And the relevance of that is?

It may be just as valid to say that someone did fall asleep and veer into your path, but because you were doing 107 you had passed them by a fair margin and luckily the lane was vacant and they got back into thier own lane safely without incident. Had you been doing 70 though, you could have intersected with the other car at exactly the same time and been in a collision.

not sure of the relevance, he obviously felt the need to say that driving fast could have resulted in some form of accident, which in my opinion could just as easily avoid an accident, but then i broke the law so i am in the wrong.

[targarama]

That speed is get-offable. My kid Brother got 6 points and a fine for 106+ on the M3. He was on zero points though to start with and had no 'form'. You have form and it will probably count against you a bit, also your age/type of car will probably affect their decision (even if its not supposed to). Whether you like it or not, the Magistrates may think "we need to slow this lad down before he does something really bad".

Personally I'd hope for a 1 month ban. Then you get a clean license back (obviously not from an insurance perspective).

I haven't lost my parents (sorry to hear this), but I did bring my 2 brothers up - 5 and 11 years younger, so I know what its like having them biting at your ankles (actually it put me off having kids!).

Good luck.

[hollowpockets]

targarama said:

That speed is get-offable. My kid Brother got 6 points and a fine for 106+ on the M3. He was on zero points though to start with and had no 'form'. You have form and it will probably count against you a bit, also your age/type of car will probably affect their decision (even if its not supposed to). Whether you like it or not, the Magistrates may think "we need to slow this lad down before he does something really bad".

Personally I'd hope for a 1 month ban. Then you get a clean license back (obviously not from an insurance perspective).

I haven't lost my parents (sorry to hear this), but I did bring my 2 brothers up - 5 and 11 years younger, so I know what its like having them biting at your ankles (actually it put me off having kids!).

Good luck.

i am aware my age is a concern but hopeing that stressing how i use tracks regularly for spirited driving they will see i know wheres safe and not and that the excitement of the occasion caused me to get carried away and was a one off. well i can only try...

hoping a ban of a month or two and start a fresh...

also forgot to mention, not that it will make a difference, but nearest family live in edinburgh who like to see me my sister and us regularly, but they are getting on and can't really travel upto aberdeen regularly and take my sis down during school holidays to spend time with them.

i also work offshore as and when required, i am unsure whether or not that may affect my situation.

[GKP]

I was stopped many years ago at a similar speed to yours (and me at a similar age!!) and went to see the nice people at the Courthouse. They gave me a six month ban which both my solicitor and I thought was a touch harsh, given my previous squeaky clean licence.
We appealed against the length of the ban (not the conviction - it's a fair cop, guv) and the wig wearers said I could have two months of walking instead, because I seemed like a nice chap*

So depending on your day in court expect anything from a few hundred quid to two weeks to 6 months ban. The sentencing isn't black an white.











*That last bit about being nice, might be made up.

[IaHa]

Hi hollowpockets,

Glad you were dealt with decently, most of my Cumbrian colleagues are pretty discretionary given the speeds our part of the M6 is often capable of. Unfortunately while 107mph on our patch is often safer then 65mph on other parts of the motorway, it's (almost) always going to earn you a prosecution which will place you at serious risk of losing your licence.

Honest mitigation/ hardship at court should be recognised, and if you would prefer the mags to ban you for a short period, rather than an increased fine, it might be an idea to allude to this at court.

[hollowpockets]

GKP said:

I was stopped many years ago at a similar speed to yours (and me at a similar age!!) and went to see the nice people at the Courthouse. They gave me a six month ban which both my solicitor and I thought was a touch harsh, given my previous squeaky clean licence.
We appealed against the length of the ban (not the conviction - it's a fair cop, guv) and the wig wearers said I could have two months of walking instead, because I seemed like a nice chap*

So depending on your day in court expect anything from a few hundred quid to two weeks to 6 months ban. The sentencing isn't black an white.











*That last bit about being nice, might be made up.

thanks for all the replies folks, kinda confirms what i have been thinking, its more the hassle of having to go through the whole court thing and down south to do it, much rather someone took my keys off me on friday and said you can have them back in 6 months now run along and be a good boy!

on the bright side, the money i save from not driving the TVR for 6 months would easy cover the increase in insurance, also give me some motivation to get my pushbike out the shed.

[randlemarcus]

hollowpockets said:

the money i save from not driving the TVR for 6 months would easy cover the increase in insurance

Given the fine balance of most performance machinery, I'd be worried that a six month lay-up will cause you very expensive problems when it comes to firing her back up again...

Tell you what...

[who me ?]

Listened to an old WW2 film the other day - Ace talking to greenies - "Never fly straight and level for any length of time"-- good tip for driving in todays speed mentality - KEEP AN EYE ON MIRROR ABOVE 85/90 - get one following you - slack off and se what he does.If he starts tailgaiting you - make him pass you.Don't forget that 999 on a mobile is not a crime ( or so i've been informed)

[thunderbelmont]

They could ban you for anything from a day to multiple years. It depends whether you get a hanging judge/magistrate, or if there have been some nasty speed related incidents on their patch in the time leading up to your appearance.

Driving a TVR may help, as the vehicle is designed to drive at far greater speeds than 107. Had it been in a Vauxhall Corsa, expect to duck the book...
Then again, rich "kid" in TVR may count against you, leaving you open to "Re-take your test laddy!".

Like has just been said... watch your back at all times if exceeding the limit by "unacceptable limits" (Vm=Vl+10%+2).

I heard of someone banned for the time it took them to walk to the carpark. He had to have a ban for exceeding 100mph, but there were mitigating circumstances, to do with a seriously ill relative in the car, on a open and deserted stretch of dual carriageway at 0-dark-hundred hours when even milkmen are still snoring, en route to A&E. When there were still Morris Marina's on the road, and a Cortina Crusader was the rep's favourite car, and Ambulances were mostly Bedford CF's or Transits (without V6's!).
Everyone, including the magistrate asked why the CPS brought the case. His fine? £1. Paid with a nice green crisp note (remember them?).

Rob.

[fairclp]

Graham, have you received news from the BiB?