Burton Copeland - Speeding Solicitors
Being caught speeding is no laughing matter. Even if you’re travelling as little as one mile per hour above the speed limit, you could still be prosecuted and receive three penalty points on your driving licence, which could result in the loss of your job. That’s why it’s important you seek support from specialist solicitors who can help protect your interests.
At Burton Copeland, our driving offence team is dedicated to defending those who have been accused of committing a speeding offence. Our speeding offence lawyers will investigate whether the police have followed regulations, keep your rights protected and mitigate all circumstances to minimise any penalties.
If you have been accused of speeding, contact us today on 0161 827 9500 for advice regarding your defence. Alternatively, fill in our online form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. From our offices in Manchester, we can provide support on driving offences to anywhere in the UK.
About our speeding offence solicitors
From speed cameras to hand-held laser guns, the police have a variety of methods at their disposal to record your driving speed. There are two ways you can be caught speeding, either by a police officer or by a speed camera or other device.
If the police have pulled you over for driving above the speed limit, you will either be sent details of the penalty or have your case sent straight to court. If you have been caught by a speed camera, the driver or owner of the vehicle will be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days, and if you do not reply, you will be taken to court.
Should the police fail to send out a NIP within two weeks of the speeding offence, you cannot be convicted. However, if notice has been given to the vehicle’s owner within this time period, the driver can still face prosecution.
What are the penalties?
Driving over the speed limit is a punishable offence, with penalties including disqualification, a fine and up to six penalty points on your licence. The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 speeding fine and three points, however, you could be disqualified if you have built up 12 or more points over three years.
Additionally, if your speed is excessively over the limit, a court can impose up to six penalty points, as well as an immediate ban.
Other factors can also result in a disqualification, including speeding:
- While on a road with poor conditions
- During adverse weather
- While driving a heavy vehicle
- While driving with passengers from the general public
Penalty points added to your driving licence are valid for three years from the date of the offence. However, it takes four years to have them removed, as this is when you can apply for a replacement licence with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You are also inclined to disclose any penalty points on your licence to an insurance company for five years after committing the offence.
If you have reached (or totted up) 12 points or more on your licence, you will be disqualified for at least six months. Those with disqualifications in the past three years will face a one-year ban, while those with more than one offence will be given a two-year driving ban.
Drivers who have passed their test in the last two years and are caught speeding will have their licence revoked if six or more penalty points have built up. This means you will have to resit your practical and theory tests should you wish to begin driving again.
How can I avoid punishment?
In some cases, there are mitigating circumstances that can be called upon in order to plea for a lighter sentence. These include:
- Reasons permitting your speed at the time of the offence, including a medical or other serious emergency
- Hardship that would be placed on others – for example, your family – if you lost your job following a driving ban or the loss of your licence
- Situations such as you being the only driver in a family where there is illness or special needs
Another way to possibly avoid prosecution concerns road signage. According to Section 82 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, unless a road states otherwise, there will be a 30 mph speed limit. This means if a road has a different speed limit to this, there must be signs that clearly indicate the change and comply with regulations regarding appearance, size and colour. If there are no signs, or they do not comply, then you cannot be convicted.
Why choose Burton Copeland?
The specialist motoring offence solicitors at Burton Copeland are experienced in defending drivers who have been accused of driving over the speed limit. Lead principal Gwyn Lewis has over 28 years of experience in this area of law and he, along with his team, provides a professional and personal approach. This is something that has resulted in an enviable track record in the defence of speeding offences and recognition from leading law directory Chambers and Partners.
We understand that facing accusations of this nature may not be a regular occurrence, which is why we provide advice that is easy to understand, ensuring you know exactly where you stand and what your options are throughout your case.
Contact us today
To speak to a solicitor about an accusation of speeding, getting in touch with us has never been easier. Either call us on 0161 827 9500 or complete our online form and we will call you back. Our defence solicitors are on hand to provide comprehensive legal advice and representation.