1st timer, speeding 103mph on A3, plead guilty?
Discussion
Stopped today by traffic Volvo on A3 doing 103.xx (according to VASCAR).
I don’t doubt it really, but I was completely unsure as to what to do/say or not to!
I was polite, said pretty much nothing, other than on way to meeting, in hire car.
He asked for my licence (which is clean), so I obliged and I asked him what happens. He just said I’d get a summons and could plead guilty by post and probably get a ban.
Man alive! I was in shock, not jus coz he caught me, but that I was stupid enough to get caught and that I hadn’t a clue of what to do. Stood there like a lemming.
I don’t really doubt the reading (in fact it seemed quite lenient), just would like to know what tricks are there for limiting the penalty.
Can you write a letter to accompany the form or whatever I’ll have to fill in? I’m not a habitual speeder (least not over 100, since I drive a Smart). Does this sort of talk hold any sway? Obviously I’d word it a little better!
Any suggestions very much appreciated!
Night in with beer and telly I think!
I don’t doubt it really, but I was completely unsure as to what to do/say or not to!
I was polite, said pretty much nothing, other than on way to meeting, in hire car.
He asked for my licence (which is clean), so I obliged and I asked him what happens. He just said I’d get a summons and could plead guilty by post and probably get a ban.
Man alive! I was in shock, not jus coz he caught me, but that I was stupid enough to get caught and that I hadn’t a clue of what to do. Stood there like a lemming.
I don’t really doubt the reading (in fact it seemed quite lenient), just would like to know what tricks are there for limiting the penalty.
Can you write a letter to accompany the form or whatever I’ll have to fill in? I’m not a habitual speeder (least not over 100, since I drive a Smart). Does this sort of talk hold any sway? Obviously I’d word it a little better!
Any suggestions very much appreciated!
Night in with beer and telly I think!
What was the distance of the check. If it was a short distance, you could try and convince the Magistrates that it was a rush of blood and out of character. You just put your foot down for a few seconds to clear a traffic problem, down hill, wind behind etc.
If the distance was a long distance, for example over 1 mile, then you will be on a sticky wicket.
I expect you were showing around 110mph on your speedo for most of the time you were being checked as most cars over read the actual speed they are travelling unless the speedo is calibrated.
If the distance was a long distance, for example over 1 mile, then you will be on a sticky wicket.
I expect you were showing around 110mph on your speedo for most of the time you were being checked as most cars over read the actual speed they are travelling unless the speedo is calibrated.
if you just go for the post option, then it will be treated as many others...and will TOTALLY depend on the magistrated seeing it at that point/on that day.
If you go in person you have a chance at apologising, and convincing the court it was indeed out of character, you take it VERY seriously, and need to drive for your job.
Possible tack...maybe worth pointing out that YOUR car has a sub 100 max speed, you'd never been close and were genuinely surprised to be found doing such a reckless speed...? M/C?
If you go in person you have a chance at apologising, and convincing the court it was indeed out of character, you take it VERY seriously, and need to drive for your job.
Possible tack...maybe worth pointing out that YOUR car has a sub 100 max speed, you'd never been close and were genuinely surprised to be found doing such a reckless speed...? M/C?
Agree with Nightmare. Got let off once a few years ago driving an MR2 when my normal car was a Volvo 240. Explained that I just didn't realise the speed as it wasn't apparent in the strange car. Grovel, letters from employer - even sick relative that relies on you. Try EVERYTHING - but try it in person.
My Dad gone done a couple of years ago on the M4. They clocked him at 600 yards with a gun doing around the ton. he was in a queue of 3 cars all doing about the same speed. The two in front went across the motorway into the other leaving him nowhere to go. He got a two week ban and £500 fine. the length of ban and fine depends on what you earn a lot of the time. If you earn a resonable salary you'll get a higher fine and smaller ban and if you don't earn much you'll get a bigger ban smaller fine.
My dad and his boss wrote letters to the court saying how he needs the car for work etc. When my dad arrived at court he found these are use for the prosecution and he had to defend himself there and then instead of just getting the slap on the wrist he expected. Word of warning if you decide to go court instead of doing it by post take a solictor with you my dad found he was soon out of his depth.
My dad and his boss wrote letters to the court saying how he needs the car for work etc. When my dad arrived at court he found these are use for the prosecution and he had to defend himself there and then instead of just getting the slap on the wrist he expected. Word of warning if you decide to go court instead of doing it by post take a solictor with you my dad found he was soon out of his depth.
A few years back I was caught doing similar - I just turned up in court on the day, acted grown up, & stated that the road was straight, the conditions good, with very little traffic to gauge my speed against. It worked! no letter from Boss or Solicitor either. V Large Fine & Loadsa Points, but better than a ban.
As you say - always be polite - no snide comments & Mr Policeman has very little to hang on you. Best of Luck
Keith P (K1 CERB)
As you say - always be polite - no snide comments & Mr Policeman has very little to hang on you. Best of Luck
Keith P (K1 CERB)
Hire a solicitor as soon as possible. Preferably one specialising in speeding cases. They know what is likely to appease the magistrates and the correct way to act.
Beware. I tried defending myself, managed to misunderstand a question that they asked me, asked for clarification, and wound up with a 3 month ban.
I'm convinced that this was at least partially due to the fact that they thought I was taking the p**s, and also because I'm in the IAM, and should know better.
Beware. I tried defending myself, managed to misunderstand a question that they asked me, asked for clarification, and wound up with a 3 month ban.
I'm convinced that this was at least partially due to the fact that they thought I was taking the p**s, and also because I'm in the IAM, and should know better.
I was clocked on the M1 in Sept01. Sunday night, very light traffic, and good conditions. Felt the same as you really when pulled over. Measured at 115mph average over 5 miles or so. Police followed me from about 1/2 mile back, and only put the blues on when someone pulled out in front of them.
I went to court, and hired a solicitor local to the offense (Barnsley Mag.) who specialised in speeding offences. Pretty much echo what everyone else has said - appear in person, look very sorry, dress smartly, and leave the hard work to the legal eagle. I had a letter from work - needed car etc, and also (truthfully) said I was in a "rush" to get back home, as a very good friend had been taken to hospital, and needed some help with his pub.
Came away with 3 week ban, £350 fine, and a slap on the wrists.
I did ask the solicitor about asking for a larger fine & smaller ban, however she advised against - Barnsley is not the most affluent area - her words not mine.
Not really had a problem with insurance, as otherwise I had a clean license - notified them immediately, and the premium went up by £20.
Hope it all works out well for you.
I went to court, and hired a solicitor local to the offense (Barnsley Mag.) who specialised in speeding offences. Pretty much echo what everyone else has said - appear in person, look very sorry, dress smartly, and leave the hard work to the legal eagle. I had a letter from work - needed car etc, and also (truthfully) said I was in a "rush" to get back home, as a very good friend had been taken to hospital, and needed some help with his pub.
Came away with 3 week ban, £350 fine, and a slap on the wrists.
I did ask the solicitor about asking for a larger fine & smaller ban, however she advised against - Barnsley is not the most affluent area - her words not mine.
Not really had a problem with insurance, as otherwise I had a clean license - notified them immediately, and the premium went up by £20.
Hope it all works out well for you.
It's bloody ridiculous, isn't it?
Christ, yesterday, on a rare m-way excusrion for me, I found most of the traffic piling along in frustrated bursts in the 90-110 zone.
It just isn't fast in a modern car and the NSL on m-ways, as critised by many ad infitum, is absurdly low.
So what p1sses me off about this case - in the same way many others have suffered - is the totally unnecessary persecution of this fellow. That he could potentially suffer so badly from a ban, etc, is unconscionable, compared to real crimes (of violence) and without revisiting old themes, such bone headed legal application merely alienates huge swathes of otherwise totally pro-Police, (proper)law-abiding citizenry.
I know, I know: stick to the limits and ya-de-ya-ya...
But the speed limits ARE crap, I DO find them often oppressive and their maintenance has become SUCH a cause celebre 'per se' that I fear all sense of perspective is lost.
Of course, this is more a tirade against cameras, etc, than the BiB themselves (who seem to tolerate indiscretions sensibly, in the main), which offer little or no leeway but there you go.
Ironically, if we had a road system which allowed a relatively CONSTANT, decent velocity, I - like millions of others - would probably find myself in a slightly less frantic 'off/on' crazy mode (caused by the dire slinky-slap effect of thousands of lane hopping numptista), choosing a nice 80-90 mph cruise, in relaxed silence, enabling me to return huge gains in economy too, from any given steed.
And as De Niro says at the end of 'Casino,' "that's that."
Stop spending money on lesbian awareness projects and build some frickin' great multi-lane, multi-level if necessary, peage-type, variable limit/derestricted roads! 
The Goddam economy is CRYING OUT for it!
And there are SO many votes in it! AAAAAaaaaargh!!!
Christ, yesterday, on a rare m-way excusrion for me, I found most of the traffic piling along in frustrated bursts in the 90-110 zone.
It just isn't fast in a modern car and the NSL on m-ways, as critised by many ad infitum, is absurdly low.
So what p1sses me off about this case - in the same way many others have suffered - is the totally unnecessary persecution of this fellow. That he could potentially suffer so badly from a ban, etc, is unconscionable, compared to real crimes (of violence) and without revisiting old themes, such bone headed legal application merely alienates huge swathes of otherwise totally pro-Police, (proper)law-abiding citizenry.
I know, I know: stick to the limits and ya-de-ya-ya...
But the speed limits ARE crap, I DO find them often oppressive and their maintenance has become SUCH a cause celebre 'per se' that I fear all sense of perspective is lost.
Of course, this is more a tirade against cameras, etc, than the BiB themselves (who seem to tolerate indiscretions sensibly, in the main), which offer little or no leeway but there you go.
Ironically, if we had a road system which allowed a relatively CONSTANT, decent velocity, I - like millions of others - would probably find myself in a slightly less frantic 'off/on' crazy mode (caused by the dire slinky-slap effect of thousands of lane hopping numptista), choosing a nice 80-90 mph cruise, in relaxed silence, enabling me to return huge gains in economy too, from any given steed.
And as De Niro says at the end of 'Casino,' "that's that."
Stop spending money on lesbian awareness projects and build some frickin' great multi-lane, multi-level if necessary, peage-type, variable limit/derestricted roads! The Goddam economy is CRYING OUT for it!
And there are SO many votes in it! AAAAAaaaaargh!!!
Thanks everyone for replies ;-)
I'll enquire about cost of solicitor, though it would seem a ban is inevitable (road was damp/wet), in which case, I may as well just turn up on my todd, be nice and honest (easy peasy, since I am), stress out of character and whilst it was speeding 100+ was a blip.
Do you have to inform your insurance co immediately?
Does length of ban affect insurance? Since a short ban wouldn't be much of an inconvienience, since, I'd just bugger off on holiday ;-) (without the spending money though!)
It wasn't in my smart it wa a Focus, so changin panels is a no go.
I'll enquire about cost of solicitor, though it would seem a ban is inevitable (road was damp/wet), in which case, I may as well just turn up on my todd, be nice and honest (easy peasy, since I am), stress out of character and whilst it was speeding 100+ was a blip.
Do you have to inform your insurance co immediately?
Does length of ban affect insurance? Since a short ban wouldn't be much of an inconvienience, since, I'd just bugger off on holiday ;-) (without the spending money though!)
It wasn't in my smart it wa a Focus, so changin panels is a no go.
It is worth trying the guilty by post route as they can either give you the points or write back to say that you have to appear because they are considering a ban.
I had to appear for 102 on the M4 so I turned up in a suit, by train and did an apologetic grovel, out of character etc to the magistrate. £80 and 14 day ban.
Think this was mostly due to an early guilty plea saying sorry and admitting that a short ban would not lose me my job.
I had to appear for 102 on the M4 so I turned up in a suit, by train and did an apologetic grovel, out of character etc to the magistrate. £80 and 14 day ban.
Think this was mostly due to an early guilty plea saying sorry and admitting that a short ban would not lose me my job.
derestrictor said: It's bloody ridiculous, isn't it?
Christ, yesterday, on a rare m-way excusrion for me, I found most of the traffic piling along in frustrated bursts in the 90-110 zone.
It just isn't fast in a modern car and the NSL on m-ways, as critised by many ad infitum, is absurdly low.
So what p1sses me off about this case - in the same way many others have suffered - is the totally unnecessary persecution of this fellow. That he could potentially suffer so badly from a ban, etc, is unconscionable, compared to real crimes (of violence) and without revisiting old themes, such bone headed legal application merely alienates huge swathes of otherwise totally pro-Police, (proper)law-abiding citizenry.
I know, I know: stick to the limits and ya-de-ya-ya...
But the speed limits ARE crap, I DO find them often oppressive and their maintenance has become SUCH a cause celebre 'per se' that I fear all sense of perspective is lost.
Of course, this is more a tirade against cameras, etc, than the BiB themselves (who seem to tolerate indiscretions sensibly, in the main), which offer little or no leeway but there you go.
Ironically, if we had a road system which allowed a relatively CONSTANT, decent velocity, I - like millions of others - would probably find myself in a slightly less frantic 'off/on' crazy mode (caused by the dire slinky-slap effect of thousands of lane hopping numptista), choosing a nice 80-90 mph cruise, in relaxed silence, enabling me to return huge gains in economy too, from any given steed.
And as De Niro says at the end of 'Casino,' "that's that."
The Goddam economy is CRYING OUT for it!
And there are SO many votes in it! AAAAAaaaaargh!!!
Very unlike derestrictor
-- I didnt have to get the dictionary out for that post !!! But like most of his other posts spot on. btw. (whats peage-type???)
Superlightr - 'peage-type' is a reference to the toll-levying autoroutes in France which, for a few groats, avail the overly harassed British motoring enthusiast with quite the most delactable expanses of tarmac it's ever been my deep joy to experience.
Thus, having to pay, even more than we already do, as outrageously deceived mobile tax generators, in order that I might roam unfettered at Ruffian velocities, without fear of socio-economic ostracisation, seems to me a fiscally impositional but nevertheless probably unavoidable necessity if I am to retain both my sanity and licence whilst availing the wider economy with the efficiencies massively fast, derestricted superhighways, just as Feruccio prophecized in the glorious days before blanket emasculation...
Praise be to Valhalla; I'm quite sure Odin lays it down in a Speed 12...
Thus, having to pay, even more than we already do, as outrageously deceived mobile tax generators, in order that I might roam unfettered at Ruffian velocities, without fear of socio-economic ostracisation, seems to me a fiscally impositional but nevertheless probably unavoidable necessity if I am to retain both my sanity and licence whilst availing the wider economy with the efficiencies massively fast, derestricted superhighways, just as Feruccio prophecized in the glorious days before blanket emasculation...
Praise be to Valhalla; I'm quite sure Odin lays it down in a Speed 12...
That better. thx.I was caught for 103 on the A3 a few years back. Had a white van up my arse (really fekkin close), and was in the VR6 I'd bought that week, so waved cheerily in my rear view window and flawed it. Rangey pulls off from the petrol station slip it was hidden on and beeboo beeboo. Needless to say he had the last laugh when he went past.
Got a 1 month ban and 250 quid fine I think.
Oh well. That would have paid for a laser jammer
well I went to court, in person, for 82 in a 40 and 71 in teh same place the following day. (Hertingfordbury road if known here will act as justification for silly sounding speed).
lots of points.....reasonable fine...no ban.....
personally I erlaly wouldnt waste the money on a solicitor. You arent tryingto defend yourself, just explain why you were a 'tard!
cheers
N
lots of points.....reasonable fine...no ban.....
personally I erlaly wouldnt waste the money on a solicitor. You arent tryingto defend yourself, just explain why you were a 'tard!
cheers
N
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