Response time after Notice of Intended Prosecution

[aeytr5]

Hi all. Was caught by a speed camera van in November in a car not registered to me. First NIP came within a week, filled out to say I was driving, then my NIP came. Filled out and sent it off first class on the 17th of December. I know my response has likely been delayed by Christmas, but how long is long enough to worry? I.e. my letter didn’t reach them? Presume at some point they pipe up a notch and presume I’ve ignored them.

[LosingGrip]

Believe it’s six months before you are safe.

If they don’t get a response for whatever reason they may send a chaser one up to give you a second chance.

[carreauchompeur]

There’s normally a fair backlog with prosecutions so often PRs for traffic prosecutions come through very close to the 6 month mark.

If it’s at a speed likely to be conditional offer/SAC I’d expect a response sooner, but give it a week or so before calling in and enquiring.

[aeytr5]

Thanks both 👍

[AlexM_]

I got a NIP from a traffic officer after being stopped in April 2021. I still haven't heard anything 9-months later.

I feel like I have this hanging over me, but from what you chaps are saying I'm safe?

It's come to my mind again as I was flashed by a fixed camera yesterday...

[edthefed]

Speeding is a summary only offence (traditionally dealt with by summons to appear before the Magistrates court in the area in which the offence was committed), although fixed penalties have replaced summons in many cases

Normally "statute barred" after 6 months if proceedings not commenced

4. Cases involving "summary only" offences can only be heard in the magistrates' court. Time limits are imposed and these need to be adhered to. The general rule for time bars on summary only offences is that prosecutions will be time barred if Informations are laid more than six months after the date of the offence 1. The Magistrates Court Act (MCA) allows for different time limits to apply where they are explicitly provided for in statutes. A table detailing maximum penalties can be found in the Sentencing and Costs section and shows the 'Summary Only' offences.

[rainmakerraw]

AlexM_ said:

I got a NIP from a traffic officer after being stopped in April 2021. I still haven't heard anything 9-months later.

I feel like I have this hanging over me, but from what you chaps are saying I'm safe?

It's come to my mind again as I was flashed by a fixed camera yesterday...

You're safe, from prosecution for the first offence at least. You may wish to start looking further ahead and modulating your speed to more appropriate areas, though, if you've been caught twice in 9 months!

I don't mean that sanctimoniously, but cameras area usually found in built up - that is to say, hazard rich - areas. Just stick to the red ring limits, and wait until you're out in the country on NSLs to stretch its legs a bit more without having to worry. Across the average town/city, you're not going to get anywhere more than a second or two faster by breaking the limit anyway. There's always the next set of lights or traffic. Maybe consider an advanced driving course, it'll transform your drive (and your speed camera recognition ).