What would you do without your driving licence?

You don't have to drive far to find a speed camera; mobile or fixed. Many are placed in accident 'blackspots' which have been proven to significantly reduce road accidents in these areas. However, some speed cameras are placed intentionally to catch-out road users. When a speed limit changes from national to 30mph, notice that mobile speed camera hidden to the side of the road? No it's not just a white van taking a break. You've been caught doing way over 30mph!

So as road users what can we do to fight back? There are times when it's wrong. Driving at 40pmh in a built up 30mph area is a criminal offence and as such; punishment should be accepted. But are these punishments 'fair'? When speed cameras have been placed to deliberately catch unsuspecting road users, are these methods of catching road users 'fair'?

In 2007 it was revealed that 69% of road users caught speeding were able to have their fines revoked. Proof that you can indeed appeal a speeding fine, and that a surprisingly high number of people are doing so successfully!

So what do you do when you receive your speed fine? If you get caught speeding or driving through a red traffic light by a camera you will receive a 'Notice of Intended Prosecution' within 14 days of the offence being committed. This notification is sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle. The notification will ask the owner to identify the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offence. The minimum fine for speeding or passing through a red traffic light is £60 and three points on your licence.

If you are the driver and you accept the prosecution you may receive a conditional offer of a fixed penalty fine. This means you will not have to appear in court, you just have to pay the fine.

Sounds fairly simple so far? But what if you want to appeal?

If you intend to challenge the penalty i.e. you feel there are circumstances that should be taken into consideration to appeal the penalty you can apply to go to court and be issued with a summons. You can then give your reasons for disputing the speeding fine and the evidence you want to be taken into consideration by the court on the summons. If you do appear in court the magistrates will decide your final outcome; but bear-in-mind they can revoke, reduce or even increase your penalty and points.

One of the biggest problems that motorists face is a lack of information and communication when preparing their court case appealing a speeding fine. Some road users never even make it as far as appealing their speeding fine due to lack of help, support and advice. Luckily a new website has been launched to help those in need of advice on how to appeal their speeding fine. www.UKSpeeding.com offers a comprehensive guide to appealing a speeding fine, including information and examples of successful appeals.

Don't loose your driving licence, fight back!