Discussion
I think I already know what the answer will be but I thought I'd ask anyway!
Was caught speeding in Somerset in June of this year, 37mph in a 30mph zone. Fair cop, no argument and when the NIP came through, was annoyed but accepted the punishment. Was offered a speed awareness course or a fixed penalty so went for the course as it is 10 years plus since I last attended one.
Filled in form and returned it within seven days, nothing more for a few weeks then today, received a letter from the Speed Enforcement Unit. This said that I had either...
Previously attended a course within the last three years
or are currently trying to settle another offence by attending a course
or failed to book and complete a workshop within the deadlines stated on the NIP
or paid the £100 fine.
In order - first one, as I said it must be ten years or more since I last attended one. Secondly, I've only been caught speeding once in that same period and fourthly, I definitely haven't paid the fine! Only one open for dispute is the third one and because I'm nearly always broke, I opted for the SAC as (a) it would be cheaper (b) I'd have longer to pay it and (c) I might learn something from the morning. I sent back the form well within the period stated on the NIP.
Have I got any comeback on this at all? SEU letter suggests no and I have 14 days to pay the £100, no instalments available. How can you book and complete a workshop in time, I get the "book" bit but "complete"?
Thanks in advance
Was caught speeding in Somerset in June of this year, 37mph in a 30mph zone. Fair cop, no argument and when the NIP came through, was annoyed but accepted the punishment. Was offered a speed awareness course or a fixed penalty so went for the course as it is 10 years plus since I last attended one.
Filled in form and returned it within seven days, nothing more for a few weeks then today, received a letter from the Speed Enforcement Unit. This said that I had either...
Previously attended a course within the last three years
or are currently trying to settle another offence by attending a course
or failed to book and complete a workshop within the deadlines stated on the NIP
or paid the £100 fine.
In order - first one, as I said it must be ten years or more since I last attended one. Secondly, I've only been caught speeding once in that same period and fourthly, I definitely haven't paid the fine! Only one open for dispute is the third one and because I'm nearly always broke, I opted for the SAC as (a) it would be cheaper (b) I'd have longer to pay it and (c) I might learn something from the morning. I sent back the form well within the period stated on the NIP.
Have I got any comeback on this at all? SEU letter suggests no and I have 14 days to pay the £100, no instalments available. How can you book and complete a workshop in time, I get the "book" bit but "complete"?
Thanks in advance
paintman said:
Think you need to speak to them and tell them that you sent the form back asking for accepting a SAC & take it from there.
FTFY. You can't ask for a SAC. It's a discretionary offer on a take it or leave it basis.
You can either accept or decline. Your choice - http://www.nopenaltypoints.co.uk/speedawarenesscou...
A subtle but relevant difference.
OP, a possible explanation for the letter you have received is that the paperwork you returned never reached its destination or it did but has been lost in the 'system'. Such things do happen. paintman is correct that you need to open a dialogue with them:
asap before they move on to the next stage in the proceedings!
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