Fixed Penalty

[JSG]

I have read a number of the messages posted re speeding and sympathise with both views, we all get fed up with watching the speedo and the revenue collection mentality but blaming the copper who nicks us isn't always fair, my mate used to be a traffic cop and he was very even minded. Anyway I had a very frustrating experience this year - but can only blame the fixed penalty office / admin group. I got caught in a radar trap in the company Audi last August - 65 mph in a 40 mph limit, dual carriageway, no buildings, copper hiding behind bushes. I was one of 10 drivers pulled over whilst I was there. However, I was guilty, very polite, won a fixed penalty notice for 3 points and £40 fine. This seemed a good deal for 25 mph over and I had 7 days to produce my licence. I went to the local nick 2 days later and produced but explained that due to a holiday abroad I needed a licence to get the pre booked hire car. The guy on the desk said he would extend the notice until 2 days after my return - great ! I sent off a cheque for £40 and went away on holiday. Came back and handed the licence in next day. The cheque was cashed immediately (August) and then in late Sept I got a letter from the fixed penalty office in Banbury saying I would be taken to court as I had not surrendered with 7 days. I explained the story over the phone and got a 'jobsworth' answer and was told that I would need to contact another office. The letter said my licence was being returned - I still haven't seen it ! I spoke to the copper who issued the notice - he couldn't help, I spoke to 3 different admin areas - they couldn't help and told me to wait and see what happened. On Dec 23rd I got £40 back from the fixed penalty office saying I would be taken to court - Merry Christmas ! Finally late Feb this year I received a summons to court in March for speeding. Not happy as everyone said I would get a much heavier fine, costs and at least three points, plus maybe three for failing to produce. Question is - How much did all this cost the Police when all I tried to do was plead guilty and pay the fine ? Comments anyone, JR what's you view ? Edited by JSG on Monday 9th April 12:37

[AdamB]

My sister just had a very similar experience. Got a summons as she hadn't responded to the fixed penalty notice (she didn't receive it). Was advised to go to court and plead guilty to the offence (which she did) and got £200 + 3 points for 37 in a 30. On the issue of failing to respond she was told that as the police had posted 2 fixed penalty notices (neither registered post) it was up to her to prove that she hadn't received them. She thought about doing the same with the fine (I posted it your honour, honest) but decided to roll over and pay in the end. Be interested to hear the final result of yours if its not to painful to recount.

[john robson]

I agree the FPN system has it problems the main one being if you don't produce and surrender your licence within 7 days the matter has to go to court. I have had quite a few returned to me by the Central ticket office, its a pain when the only thing wrong is that it was produced a few days late or they needed their licence for a trip. It also means unnecesary writting for the copper as well (not that that will be any consolation to the person getting the points)

[JSG]

It does seem to be red tape going mad, I understand now that I should have surrendered within 7 days, but I took the view that it had been legally extended by the local Police - NOT SO as I was firmly told by the FP office. Happy(ish)Ending I took the day off work, went to court, sat around for 5 hours and went before 2 magistrates. Added complication - no licence - still not received back, but I had phoned and the court had a print out. I pleaded guilty (again)and explained the sequence of events. The magistrate could not believe it took so long for my cheque to be returned but the court officer explained this was usual. The magistrate took into account my time to plead in person and the fact that I had tried to pay, letter from local Police confirming they had extended and reverted to a £40 fixed penalty and 3 points, no costs awarded. I am now trying to explain to the DVLA that I can't send my licence in as I don't have one - much confusion and intakes of breath - along with threats of revoking it if I don't send it in !

[jimbo]

Get the dvla to issue you a replacement license for 15 quid, and then send them that - not the answer I know, but saves a lot of hassle and frayed nerves, and then you have always got a spare to use on holiday e.t.c. when/if you finally get yours back. Jim

[JSG]

Yeah, I think you're right, I don't expect to ever see the original again. Added complication is that now you need photo licences, more aggro, camera with wide angle lens and I would rather not pay for it as I am not the one who lost the licence. Cheers.

[jimbo]

If the missing license was one of the new photo jobbies, the dvla already have your mugshot and will just send it out to you - mine took about 3 days. Jim