Speed Awareness Course

[carguy77]

Hi guys, I recently received a "conditional offer of a fixed penalty notice" for driving at 81 in a 70 and I'm wondering why I haven't been offered a speed awareness course? I've never been in trouble before and work as a taxi driver (I was not working at the time) so I would rather not have the points and would like to ask them to give me the course instead. I know that it might only be 3 points and £100 but I'd rather not have the points and think its a bit unfair if some people get offered it but not others

If anyone can help explain why and what I could do I'd be grateful.

Steve

[vonhosen]

Perhaps they don't run courses where you were caught.

[TheEnd]

It might depend on the constabulary dealing with it.

The SACs are all optional, but it's nicer to pay £100 and get a lecture than £100 and 3 points which will hang around for years.

Maybe a polite phone call and ask if it is an option?

You're 100% certain it's for 81 in a 70, and not 81 though roadworks or traffic managed sections?

[Ki3r]

What vehicle were you driving? Wasn't one that has a lower limit?

As others have said, not all forces do them. Got a feeling Scotland don't.

[Red Devil]

carguy77 said:

Hi guys, I recently received a "conditional offer of a fixed penalty notice" for driving at 81 in a 70 and I'm wondering why I haven't been offered a speed awareness course? I've never been in trouble before and work as a taxi driver (I was not working at the time) so I would rather not have the points and would like to ask them to give me the course instead. I know that it might only be 3 points and £100 but I'd rather not have the points and think its a bit unfair if some people get offered it but not others

If anyone can help explain why and what I could do I'd be grateful.

The top of the range in most areas is the relevant limit + 10% + 9mph, which for a 70 equates to 86mph.
Bear in mind that there are other criteria which must be satisfied to be eligible for an offer.
They are not all identical. Some time frames can differ between forces.
http://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/11056
http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/faqs/how-do-i...
Check to see if the one that caught you has a FAQ page where its specific criteria are listed.

It seems a little odd that no offer has been made as your speed is well within the range.
However that range is not set in stone. It is a matter for the Chief Constable to decide.

The decision to offer a SAC is entirely at the discretion of the police/SCP.
Asking to go on one is usually verboten - http://www.safetycamera.org/faqs/speed-awareness-c...

All of the above notwithstanding there is a big caveat which another posted has spotted.
https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits

Ki3r said:

What vehicle were you driving? Wasn't one that has a lower limit?

As others have said, not all forces do them. Got a feeling Scotland don't.

Correct. They are a bit dour north of the border and seem to prefer punishment to education.
Quite surprising given the importance they attach to the latter.

Scotland is the most highly educated country in Europe and among the best-educated in the world
http://www.scotsman.com/news/education/scotland-is...

[0000]

carguy77 said:

Hi guys, I recently received a "conditional offer of a fixed penalty notice" for driving at 81 in a 70 and I'm wondering why I haven't been offered a speed awareness course?

Might have my terminology confused, not sure what the conditional offer stage is - but normally I think you have to accept the NIP before they (might) send you the speed awareness course offer.

[btcc123]

I have only been caught speeding once and that was doing 80 in a 70 duel carriageway.I was caught by a van on the Saturday and received the NIP in the Tuesday.Initially when I read it seamed very confusing and seamed to say that I could not have a SAC so in the end rang them and they said yes I can take the course for £85 about 6 miles from where I live so thats what I did.

If I was you I would ring the number on the NIP as they were really helpful to me.As you are in London I am sure they hold SAC there but think they may be £95

[Dog Star]

0000 said:

Might have my terminology confused, not sure what the conditional offer stage is - but normally I think you have to accept the NIP before they (might) send you the speed awareness course offer.

This

[carguy77]

btcc123 that sounds like encouraging news at least.

I've been digging around and I found this on a law firm site giving the criteria and it looks like i should be offered a course

http://www.motordefencelawyers.co.uk/motoring-offe...
http://www.motordefencelawyers.co.uk/motoring-offe...

Do you think that i shouls just telephone them then or do you think that i should send a formal letter of something. I'd pay a lawyer but i just don't have the money and thats why im on here and googlinglooking for answers. its really difficult to get straight information you'd think that the laws and rules we have to follow would be made clear - seems like its all just set up to take our money!!!!

[Red Devil]

0000 said:

carguy77 said:

Hi guys, I recently received a "conditional offer of a fixed penalty notice" for driving at 81 in a 70 and I'm wondering why I haven't been offered a speed awareness course?

Might have my terminology confused, not sure what the conditional offer stage is - but normally I think you have to accept the NIP before they (might) send you the speed awareness course offer.

A NoIP comes with a S.172 demand for the name and address of the driver. Only that person can be proceeded against for an alleged speeding offence. Once the RK has coughed up those details the decision whether to offer the named individual a SAC or a CoFP can be made. The latter is just what it says on the tin. On offer to dispose of the case by paying £100 (+ points on your licence) instead of an appearance before the magistrates*. It is up to the driver whether to accept. He/she still has the option to elect for trial by declining (or simply ignoring the CoFP which will result in a 99.9% likelihood of further action).

• not in Scotland where they don't have any: up there it will be before a JP or Sheriff.

carguy77 said:

btcc123 that sounds like encouraging news at least.

I've been digging around and I found this on a law firm site giving the criteria and it looks like i should be offered a course

http://www.motordefencelawyers.co.uk/motoring-offe...
http://www.motordefencelawyers.co.uk/motoring-offe...

Do you think that i shouls just telephone them then or do you think that i should send a formal letter of something. I'd pay a lawyer but i just don't have the money and thats why im on here and googlinglooking for answers. its really difficult to get straight information you'd think that the laws and rules we have to follow would be made clear - seems like its all just set up to take our money!!!!

If they can do what they claim then you have nothing to lose by making a phone call. You need to find out what their fee is or likely to be before you instruct them to represent you of course.

Another point of contact - http://www.pattersonlaw.co.uk/about-us/your-team/
Check the profile of the OP on this thread - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[speedking31]

Were you caught by a fixed camera, van, police officer? Were you stopped at the time? How do you know it was 81?

[agtlaw]

carguy77 said:

Hi guys, I recently received a "conditional offer of a fixed penalty notice" for driving at 81 in a 70 and I'm wondering why I haven't been offered a speed awareness course? I've never been in trouble before and work as a taxi driver (I was not working at the time) so I would rather not have the points and would like to ask them to give me the course instead. I know that it might only be 3 points and £100 but I'd rather not have the points and think its a bit unfair if some people get offered it but not others

If anyone can help explain why and what I could do I'd be grateful.

Steve

1. Ask the police.
2. If you're not happy with their response then consult a solicitor.

[btcc123]

carguy77 said:

btcc123 that sounds like encouraging news at least.

I've been digging around and I found this on a law firm site giving the criteria and it looks like i should be offered a course

http://www.motordefencelawyers.co.uk/motoring-offe...
http://www.motordefencelawyers.co.uk/motoring-offe...

Do you think that i shouls just telephone them then or do you think that i should send a formal letter of something. I'd pay a lawyer but i just don't have the money and thats why im on here and googlinglooking for answers. its really difficult to get straight information you'd think that the laws and rules we have to follow would be made clear - seems like its all just set up to take our money!!!!

As I said in my previous post I found the NIP a bit confuaing so rang the phone number,told them the reference number,that I was confused whether I could do a SAC instead of fine and points.The lady asked if I was the driver of the car,I said yes and she said I could do a SAC.She said that there was no need to return the NIP as she has the details and would send me an E-mail regarging SAC courses.When it came I booked it,paid and then attended.