Advice on serious speeding offence
Discussion
I have been caught riding my work owned bike ( a Honda Pan Euro) at excess speed. I was caught via a laser gun travelling at 79.1 mph in a 30 mph zone in the Croydon area. I have 6 points at the moment for sp30 caught by gatso's and am a bit scared at what might happen next. Croydon magistrates are a bit conservative. I am a motorcycle chauffeur and need my licence for my job. I am also a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and need to stay a member to keep my job.
It was two traffic cops in a car who caught me, I did not see them and they did not caution me. How long do they have to send a summons? Does anyone think I will be chaged with deangerous driving?
Any advice gratefully recieved...
TC
It was two traffic cops in a car who caught me, I did not see them and they did not caution me. How long do they have to send a summons? Does anyone think I will be chaged with deangerous driving?
Any advice gratefully recieved...
TC
Have a look at www.caughtspeeding.co.uk/ They give free advice & were very helpful to me. I know what you did was wrong but hey we've all done bad things. Best of luck.
first thing to do is make it VERY well known you will lose your job if you lose your licence. Say that you arent trained in anything else etc and that you have family/mortgage/loan repayments/expensive drugs habit etc, whatever but that banning you will ruin your life. then beg for forgiveness.
Being realistic - you are facing a huge uphill task
Being realistic - you are facing a huge uphill task
I don't want to irritate the beak by trying to wriggle out of it. I will grovel and cry etc but will mention in mitigation that I drive for a living and will be sacked if banned. the truth is that our fleet insureres will have puppies if/when I tell them. I am likely to get myself off their insurance once I recieve a NIP. I don't want to make the underwriter nervous you know?
I know this is an uphill task, I could try to join the masons I suppose...
I know this is an uphill task, I could try to join the masons I suppose...
If you were not stopped, then presumably they have photographic evidence. I would wait and see what notification you get. If this was a manned laser camera then it takes pictures from the front. Therfore on a bike you are immune in this case because you have no front facing ID. I strongly suggest you have a look at the ABD website and the right to silence campaign. In addition give no more detail about the time and location here. You could also consider the who was driving question?
Bare in mind I aproach these things from the stance that get off at all costs is the priority and the real criminals are the ones who instructed plod to go stand there with a laser gun.
Good luck
Bare in mind I aproach these things from the stance that get off at all costs is the priority and the real criminals are the ones who instructed plod to go stand there with a laser gun.
Good luck
Oops. A good solicitor may help soften the blow and it is probably wise to appoint one should you go to court. It may be possible to challenge the prosecution on certain technicalities.
Points that spring to mind which you may wish to discuss with your legal team include:
- the serial number, calibration and maintenance history of the speed detection device
- the training records of the device operators
- the documented evidence that the speed trap was set up and operated in compliance with Type Approval conditions (re the Dwight Yorke case)
- the clarity and visibility of the speed limit signs approaching the trap at the time of the alleged offence (re the Crown vs Alan Howe, Ipswich Crown Court, Nov 2000)
- the documented evidence of the calculations for cosine error and minimum distance for allowable speed reading (e.g. if device was used from a bridge)
- due consideration for any other potential interferences that can upset a laser reading e.g. mirages on road, sunlight reflections, sweep error etc.
Just my $0:02 worth.
Good luck.
Points that spring to mind which you may wish to discuss with your legal team include:
- the serial number, calibration and maintenance history of the speed detection device
- the training records of the device operators
- the documented evidence that the speed trap was set up and operated in compliance with Type Approval conditions (re the Dwight Yorke case)
- the clarity and visibility of the speed limit signs approaching the trap at the time of the alleged offence (re the Crown vs Alan Howe, Ipswich Crown Court, Nov 2000)
- the documented evidence of the calculations for cosine error and minimum distance for allowable speed reading (e.g. if device was used from a bridge)
- due consideration for any other potential interferences that can upset a laser reading e.g. mirages on road, sunlight reflections, sweep error etc.
Just my $0:02 worth.
Good luck.
Most of the replies seem quite sensible. I assume it was a pro laser gun that you were caught with, then they stopped you and pointed out the offence.
If that’s the case they don't need to caution you or give an NIP. By saying you're going to court, I also assume that you were reported on summons rather than given an endorsable fixed penalty ticket.
Rather than trying to get off, I'd be looking at mitigating circumstances. To plead not guilty on the basis that equipment was not calibrated, and then get found guilty will only compound your situation.
Concentrate on ways of keeping your licence and paying the fine, as mentioned in other posts.
In my opinion, I think you’ll get 6 points (making 12) get a huge fine and be allowed to carry on riding. This happens quite a lot with people who are required to drive as part of their employment such as taxi drivers. Above all, get a good solicitor.
If that’s the case they don't need to caution you or give an NIP. By saying you're going to court, I also assume that you were reported on summons rather than given an endorsable fixed penalty ticket.
Rather than trying to get off, I'd be looking at mitigating circumstances. To plead not guilty on the basis that equipment was not calibrated, and then get found guilty will only compound your situation.
Concentrate on ways of keeping your licence and paying the fine, as mentioned in other posts.
In my opinion, I think you’ll get 6 points (making 12) get a huge fine and be allowed to carry on riding. This happens quite a lot with people who are required to drive as part of their employment such as taxi drivers. Above all, get a good solicitor.
I think you'll get 6 points, and a fine, which should in theory lead to an automatic 6 months disqualification. All advice thus far holds good in terms of guilty plea, good solicitor and all the mitigation. To avod a ban under totting up, there have to be what are known as "exceptional circumstances." From what you've said, there don't appear to be any. They tend to be lenient by giving you the points but not banning you if say you were caught just over the limit, and you need your licence for work etc.. At nearly 80 in a 30, I think that is wishful thinking. A good solicitor may get the ban shortened, but I can't see the three wise monkeys not banning you. Sorry. I'll keep my fingers crossed!
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