Speeding Offences
Speeding is dealt with by a fixed penalty notice or attendance on a speed awareness course. Matters will generally only come to court if you dispute the fixed penalty notice, the offence is considered too serious to be dealt with out of court, or you already have points on your licence.
It is always open to any driver to deny his/her guilt. In that case the burden is on the prosecution to prove guilt so that the Magistrates are sure. Nothing less than this will lead to a conviction.
Proving guilt is no straightforward task. There are a number of procedures that the police have to follow and any failure to do so may be fatal to the prosecution.
However, remember that with all cases, penalties and costs will be higher if the disputed charge is proved.
Penalties
Speeding will attract a fine of up to £2,500. In addition, the Magistrates will impose anything from 3 penalty points up to immediate disqualification – even for a first offence.
The number of points will depend on the type of road you are driving on and the recorded speed.
On a 30 m.p.h. road, immediate disqualification will be considered at any speeds of 41 m.p.h. and faster. Immediate disqualification becomes the primary consideration at speeds of 51 m.p.h. and faster.
On a motorway, immediate disqualification will be considered at any speeds of 91 m.p.h. and faster. Immediate disqualification becomes the primary consideration at speeds of 101 m.p.h. and faster.
