Help/guidance having been caught excess speeding
Discussion
Can anybody give some help/guidance here…
Was caught this week doing 71 in a 40. Before everyone jumps on me, I genuinely don’t speed normally. I took the day off work, and ironically went to get something sorted on my car. Pottered up M6/M54, came off onto the A449 heading North on a dual carriageway which could very easily have been a national speed limit road. I know speed limits are there for a reason, just trying to give background prior to people assume I’ve been hooning round everywhere. This was an empty clear road. Nothing around, so yes, I went a little bit faster that normal.
Was a police gun on other side of road. Think he’s picked me up as road was so clear both sides (Monday morning 10am) so he’s pointed gun over barrier and got me chugging down an empty straight road.
I have no points on my license. I’ve been driving since Nov-2000. 3 points in 2003. And another 3 in 2015. Both SP30s.
Everything I’m reading online is suggesting a £1,000 fine, and 6 points and/or a short ban. I’m absolutely gutted. Does this sound right?
For someone who genuinely doesn’t speed round town/built up areas I was merely enjoying an open road to squeeze the accelerator a bit more. Who on here doesn’t do that…? Yet for that short 3-4 minute blast from roundabout to roundabout on a deserted A road. I feel like I’m going to be hit pretty hard with a fine/points that hurts me on my insurance.
Any comments/experiences welcome…
Was caught this week doing 71 in a 40. Before everyone jumps on me, I genuinely don’t speed normally. I took the day off work, and ironically went to get something sorted on my car. Pottered up M6/M54, came off onto the A449 heading North on a dual carriageway which could very easily have been a national speed limit road. I know speed limits are there for a reason, just trying to give background prior to people assume I’ve been hooning round everywhere. This was an empty clear road. Nothing around, so yes, I went a little bit faster that normal.
Was a police gun on other side of road. Think he’s picked me up as road was so clear both sides (Monday morning 10am) so he’s pointed gun over barrier and got me chugging down an empty straight road.
I have no points on my license. I’ve been driving since Nov-2000. 3 points in 2003. And another 3 in 2015. Both SP30s.
Everything I’m reading online is suggesting a £1,000 fine, and 6 points and/or a short ban. I’m absolutely gutted. Does this sound right?
For someone who genuinely doesn’t speed round town/built up areas I was merely enjoying an open road to squeeze the accelerator a bit more. Who on here doesn’t do that…? Yet for that short 3-4 minute blast from roundabout to roundabout on a deserted A road. I feel like I’m going to be hit pretty hard with a fine/points that hurts me on my insurance.
Any comments/experiences welcome…
Too fast for a course (46-53 mph) and too fast for a £100 Fixed Penalty (46-65 mph).
You should anticipate court proceedings commenced within 6 months via the Single Justice Procedure.
If you plead guilty at the SJ stage then the most likely fine is N and the sentencing range is N x 5/6 to N x 7/6 (where N is your net weekly income subject to a maximum of £1,000.) Prosecution costs will be at least £85. There’s also a surcharge; 10% of the fine subject to a minimum of £34.
Absent special reasons, the court must endorse 3-6 penalty points or order a disqualification period of any length.
At 66 mph and above, the MCSG suggests endorsing 6 points or a disqualification period of 7-56 days. N.b. The aforementioned guideline also says - “where an offender is driving grossly in excess of the speed limit the court will consider a disqualification in excess of 56 days.” 71/40 is not likely to be deemed “grossly in excess of the speed limit.”
If your aim is to avoid disqualification then you should take advantage of the Single Justice Procedure. This is one of two opportunities to avoid a ban. The second opportunity would be a court hearing.
I had a very recent case in which 118/70 mph didn’t make it past the SJ stage. 6 penalty points endorsed with a moderate fine.
You should anticipate court proceedings commenced within 6 months via the Single Justice Procedure.
If you plead guilty at the SJ stage then the most likely fine is N and the sentencing range is N x 5/6 to N x 7/6 (where N is your net weekly income subject to a maximum of £1,000.) Prosecution costs will be at least £85. There’s also a surcharge; 10% of the fine subject to a minimum of £34.
Absent special reasons, the court must endorse 3-6 penalty points or order a disqualification period of any length.
At 66 mph and above, the MCSG suggests endorsing 6 points or a disqualification period of 7-56 days. N.b. The aforementioned guideline also says - “where an offender is driving grossly in excess of the speed limit the court will consider a disqualification in excess of 56 days.” 71/40 is not likely to be deemed “grossly in excess of the speed limit.”
If your aim is to avoid disqualification then you should take advantage of the Single Justice Procedure. This is one of two opportunities to avoid a ban. The second opportunity would be a court hearing.
I had a very recent case in which 118/70 mph didn’t make it past the SJ stage. 6 penalty points endorsed with a moderate fine.
Edited by agtlaw on Saturday 5th December 13:00
agtlaw said:
Too fast for a course (46-53 mph) and too fast for a £100 Fixed Penalty (46-65 mph).
You should anticipate court proceedings commenced within 6 months via the Single Justice Procedure.
If you plead guilty at the SJ stage then the most likely fine is N and the sentencing range is N x 5/6 to N x 7/6 (where N is your net weekly income subject to a maximum of £1,000.) Prosecution costs will be at least £85. There’s also a surcharge; 10% of the fine subject to a minimum of £34.
Absent special reasons, the court must endorse 3-6 penalty points or a order disqualification period of any length.
At 66 mph and above, the MCSG suggests endorsing 6 points or a disqualification period of 7-56 days. N.b. The aforementioned guideline also says - “where an offender is driving grossly in excess of the speed limit the court will consider a disqualification in excess of 56 days.” 71/40 is not likely to be deemed
“grossly in excess of the speed limit.”
If your aim is to avoid disqualification then you should take advantage of the Single Justice Procedure. This is one of two opportunities to avoid a ban. The second opportunity would be a court hearing.
I had a very recent case in which 118/70 mph didn’t make it past the SJ stage. 6 penalty points endorsed with a moderate fine.
Really appreciate this thank you. When you say the 114/70 was the ‘moderate’ fine basically the £1,000…?You should anticipate court proceedings commenced within 6 months via the Single Justice Procedure.
If you plead guilty at the SJ stage then the most likely fine is N and the sentencing range is N x 5/6 to N x 7/6 (where N is your net weekly income subject to a maximum of £1,000.) Prosecution costs will be at least £85. There’s also a surcharge; 10% of the fine subject to a minimum of £34.
Absent special reasons, the court must endorse 3-6 penalty points or a order disqualification period of any length.
At 66 mph and above, the MCSG suggests endorsing 6 points or a disqualification period of 7-56 days. N.b. The aforementioned guideline also says - “where an offender is driving grossly in excess of the speed limit the court will consider a disqualification in excess of 56 days.” 71/40 is not likely to be deemed
“grossly in excess of the speed limit.”
If your aim is to avoid disqualification then you should take advantage of the Single Justice Procedure. This is one of two opportunities to avoid a ban. The second opportunity would be a court hearing.
I had a very recent case in which 118/70 mph didn’t make it past the SJ stage. 6 penalty points endorsed with a moderate fine.
Edited by agtlaw on Saturday 5th December 09:42
Guess I’ve got to take my medicine here as technically I know I’m in the wrong. Just a nice clear winter morning on an empty A road so stretched the cars legs to the detriment of my license/wallet etc.
From reading above it sounds it can take a while to actually go through the courts then? I’m certainly going to try and string it out as long as possible.
I don’t know how often road is taken into account, but this is a 40 road which could very easily be a 60 or 70. I know it will be stated as 40 for a reason, but seemed very slow given few junctions and a dual carriageway.
And easy opportunity for a police officer to catch out idiots like me…
As explained in detail above, if your net weekly income is £200 then if you plead guilty at the SJ stage, the fine will most likely be £200.
My 118 mph case resulted in a £552 fine, but I fail to see how that assists you. Your fine will be a function of your income.
There’s very little point asking about someone else’s fine. Not unless the other person has the same net income as you, pleaded guilty at the same stage and the excess speed was in the same sentencing category.
My 118 mph case resulted in a £552 fine, but I fail to see how that assists you. Your fine will be a function of your income.
There’s very little point asking about someone else’s fine. Not unless the other person has the same net income as you, pleaded guilty at the same stage and the excess speed was in the same sentencing category.
I presume you mean here. The terminal 40mph sign (start of limit) is at the end of the slip road as you leave the M54. There are many exits and entrances, but after the next roundabout, or two, the road is clearer and the road limit is 60mph.
Edited by Pica-Pica on Saturday 5th December 14:10
Pica-Pica said:
I presume you mean here. The terminal 40mph sign (start of limit) is at the end of the slip road as you leave the M54. There are many exits and entrances, but after the next roundabout, or two, the road is clearer and the road limit is 60mph.
That’s exactly the place yes. Where I was caught was slightly further on I think. I do recall coming off the roundabout fairly slowly then when past the entrances further up I did put my foot down. Gun got me from just under 200m away, opposite side of road. Shame as if there was more traffic coming the other way probably wouldn’t have got the gun on me. Edited by Pica-Pica on Saturday 5th December 14:10
I know own fault just so frustrating. Just doesn’t seem a dangerous road and one that could be a national speed limit. More like easy pickings for the police to sit there and earn some extra pennies from idiots like me still in motorway mode.
MrHooky said:
That’s exactly the place yes. Where I was caught was slightly further on I think. I do recall coming off the roundabout fairly slowly then when past the entrances further up I did put my foot down. Gun got me from just under 200m away, opposite side of road. Shame as if there was more traffic coming the other way probably wouldn’t have got the gun on me.
I know own fault just so frustrating. Just doesn’t seem a dangerous road and one that could be a national speed limit. More like easy pickings for the police to sit there and earn some extra pennies from idiots like me still in motorway mode.
Fines go to the treasury, not the police, so they see no benefit.I know own fault just so frustrating. Just doesn’t seem a dangerous road and one that could be a national speed limit. More like easy pickings for the police to sit there and earn some extra pennies from idiots like me still in motorway mode.
MrHooky said:
Pica-Pica said:
I presume you mean here. The terminal 40mph sign (start of limit) is at the end of the slip road as you leave the M54. There are many exits and entrances, but after the next roundabout, or two, the road is clearer and the road limit is 60mph.
That’s exactly the place yes. Where I was caught was slightly further on I think. I do recall coming off the roundabout fairly slowly then when past the entrances further up I did put my foot down. Gun got me from just under 200m away, opposite side of road. Shame as if there was more traffic coming the other way probably wouldn’t have got the gun on me. Edited by Pica-Pica on Saturday 5th December 14:10
I know own fault just so frustrating. Just doesn’t seem a dangerous road and one that could be a national speed limit. More like easy pickings for the police to sit there and earn some extra pennies from idiots like me still in motorway mode.
An SAC tip I was told; new road - check for new speed (it will sometimes be at a roundabout before the new road), and unless and until confirmed by signs, assume lowest speed. Never assume a dual carriageway will be 70 (for a car; and indeed further up this road the limit is only increased to 60). I learnt that the SAC way, I came off the A52 dual carriageway at Nottingham from 40 onto another dual carriageway that had always been 40 also. I got flashed, it had been changed to 30. Got done at 37.
kiethton said:
Hang on a sec and sorry for changing subject but can they now get you from the opposite side of a dual carriageway? (Separated by barriers etc)
Don’t know why but I always thought that was the case?
Think so yes. There's clearly a barrier in between the gun and my car in the pic i've been sent. Assume as long as they can get a target on a car, irrespective of direction of travel they can get you. Road was clear both ways with exception of yours truly, so he clearly put the gun on me and got me.Don’t know why but I always thought that was the case?
My own stupid fault. Coming to terms with the fact I've got the points and hefty fine coming my way. Still incredibly frustrating non the less...
Pica-Pica said:
No, as I said, there are many entrances and exits up until the second roundabout, then the road frees up. I imagine that either was the plan from the start, or there had been a few collisions at the various collisions.
An SAC tip I was told; new road - check for new speed (it will sometimes be at a roundabout before the new road), and unless and until confirmed by signs, assume lowest speed. Never assume a dual carriageway will be 70 (for a car; and indeed further up this road the limit is only increased to 60). I learnt that the SAC way, I came off the A52 dual carriageway at Nottingham from 40 onto another dual carriageway that had always been 40 also. I got flashed, it had been changed to 30. Got done at 37.
I've also had a SAC about 4 years ago and there are some good tips from it (despite me thinking they go on far too long). I passed my motorbike test c.24 months ago which helped reinforce some of the Highways code as you do become complacent. I do not speed in built up areas or when there's traffic as you get nowhere any quicker. But as with all on this forum I'm sure would admit, if the road is clear and it's a nice day you might stretch the legs of a car or bike. I was clearly just away with the fairies that day, for which I'm going to pay the price.An SAC tip I was told; new road - check for new speed (it will sometimes be at a roundabout before the new road), and unless and until confirmed by signs, assume lowest speed. Never assume a dual carriageway will be 70 (for a car; and indeed further up this road the limit is only increased to 60). I learnt that the SAC way, I came off the A52 dual carriageway at Nottingham from 40 onto another dual carriageway that had always been 40 also. I got flashed, it had been changed to 30. Got done at 37.
kiethton said:
Hang on a sec and sorry for changing subject but can they now get you from the opposite side of a dual carriageway? (Separated by barriers etc)
Don’t know why but I always thought that was the case?
They can get you from the opposite side, forward or behind, and can check your speed at 1000 metres.Don’t know why but I always thought that was the case?
I got done by an operator with tripod mounted camera off to the side of a bridge over a motorway standard road, so out my line of sight on two axis. Thankfully 'only' doing 85 - it's a road where 100+ is a breeze.
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