Speeding Offences

Speeding offences are the most common of all road traffic offences.  Even the safest and most careful driver may find he or she is caught driving above the speed limit.

 

However, speed cameras are not infallible – and you may find yourself wrongly accused of a speeding offence. If so, you need swift expert legal advice, or you can find yourself paying harsh penalties for offences you didn’t commit. The criminal defence lawyers at Qamar Solicitors have an excellent track record in challenging speeding offences, and we are ready to begin work on your behalf.

 

National speed limits

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All drivers should be aware of the standard speed limits on the roads in the UK. These include:

 

• 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways

• 60mph on single carriageways

• 30mph in built-up areas

• Limits of as low as 20mph in certain areas

 

Responding to a speeding ticket

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As with all Notices of Intended Prosecution (NIPs), you should receive a speeding ticket within 14 days of the alleged offence.  You then have 28 days to respond, including by clarifying who was driving the car at the relevant time.

 

Whilst it is your right to challenge a speeding ticket, simply claiming you ‘did not realise’ you were driving over the speed limit is not a valid defence. If you decide to challenge your ticket, it is imperative you secure expert legal advice as soon as possible.

 

What are the penalties for speeding?

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If you are caught speeding (for example by a speed camera or a police officer) you may receive only a verbal warning. You may be offered the chance to attend a speed-awareness course, which you would have to pay for. You may also be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice with a maximum fine of £100 and three points on your licence.

 

Serious speeding offences, for instance, repeat offences or driving very significantly above the speed limit, may be prosecuted - in which case you would need to attend court. Penalties can be up to £2,500 for speeding on a motorway. As a general guide, being caught driving in excess of 50% of the speed limit could lead to an instant driving ban.

 

How can we help?

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If you believe you have been wrongly issued with a speeding ticket, or if you encounter any other complicating factors such as being unable to locate the person driving the vehicle at the time, you need to secure the best possible legal advice. At Qamar Solicitors we have many years’ experience specialising in motoring offences, and can make sure we bring a swift, effective case in your defence.