MK5 Golf GTI
General => Random Chat => Topic started by: Mk5 GTian on February 04, 2013, 03:55:53 pm
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Think I'm in trouble. Was driving on the 50mph section of the A3 out of Guildford, when I went past an unmarked BMW early on Sunday morning. Open road, little other traffic, but banged to rights. They've got me on camera they reckon, read me my rights etc and advised they were reporting me for driving with excess speed: 79mph in a 50. It'll be going to court. I was breathalysed (zero reading) and sent on my way after checks were done.
I feel a right idiot to be honest. I was going to see my new girlfriend in Churt for a day out, was excited and not really focussed on my surroundings. Does anyone have any idea what kind of penalty I can expect? The policeman said I might still only get 3 points, but the fine will be much bigger.
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They will probably round it up to 80mph....6points and £400 fine is what i'm thinking. Work colleague had his court case last week 86mph in a 50 zone they hit him with £600 fine and 6points, he gave them the sob story and he ended up with 5points and a £400 fine.
Stevie.
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Sorry to hear that mate. Hope its not too bad :sad1:
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My mate done 54 in a 30 and got away with 3 points and a £100 fine reduced to £60 for an early plea. The judge said to him that he at least made the effort to attend court in a proper manner by wearing a shirt and suit bottoms. He just represented his self and said he was guilty. He said that he was sorry and he knew what he done was stupid etc.
I think as long as you are well mannered, have no previous and genuinely seem sorry you will just get 3 points and a fine. All depends on the judge tho.
I wouldn't worry about it. worst case i would say 6 points and a heft fine. . . don't think it would come to that tho. :happy2:
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Driving wth excess speed is not any where near as bad as dangerous driving.
Any previous points?
I agree it's probably a 3-6 point offence in court.
Therefore will any previous points ban you by the totting up system?
If so, have some mitigating circumstances / hardship (loss of job, employees, family welfare) ready... getting harder to use these days though.
Not sure on the fine; I would expect a couple a hundered as a starting point.
As you will, have a good attitude on the day, dress smartly.
As always, depends on the judge - good luck.
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Best of luck mate, obviously a lapse in concentration. Hope the powers that be see it that way eh :sad1:
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Clear Road, early weekend morning, good visibility all should go in your favour if your've got a clean record present yourself well and apologise may escape with 3-6 Points + fine based on your income. Might be worth having a look on here: http://www.pepipoo.com/
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my licence is clean, last speeding fine was 8 years ago. I shall attend court and dress in a suit. I will represent myself and plead guilty. I am genuinely sorry, I was stupid and I shall convey this.
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my licence is clean, last speeding fine was 8 years ago. I shall attend court and dress in a suit. I will represent myself and plead guilty. I am genuinely sorry, I was stupid and I shall convey this.
You will be fine then mate :happy2: Hope all goes well :happy2:
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This reminds of when I was stopped a couple of months after getting my GTI (Feb 2010). I was doing 90+ in a 50 zone (I know it’s stupid but it was the excitement of owning my 1st GTI). Anyway I was slowing down when I saw flashing blues in the rear view mirror (unmarked ford) and thought sh*t! I pulled over and was expecting points and a massive fine. While he checked everything out I was being cooperative/polite. Told him I knew I was wrong and sorry.
In the end I was gobsmacked (and extremely relieved) when he just gave me a leaflet about dangers of speed and a warning.
So it shows some guys can be reasonable as long as you don’t give them attitude. Also I assume he didn’t have any photographic/video evidence.
He did mention that a lot of GTI’s get stolen so he initially thought that may have been the case.
The best thing I took from that day was that there is a time and place for spirited driving and it has slowed me down generally. Looking back on it now I am actually glad it happened, partly due to the outcome, but it made me think and change my driving.
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Very sorry to hear this, Ian - I hope your new girlfriend gave you lots of sympathy cuddles.
Where does the 50 zone end on the Guildford A3 southbound? Surely it doesn't extend below the A31 Hog's Back junction. I don't travel above Milford often enough to remember.
Do you know what the threshold is for speeding above 50 before you get as much as 6pts and more than a £60 fine? 3pts and £60 is still the standard penalty isn't it?
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my licence is clean, last speeding fine was 8 years ago. I shall attend court and dress in a suit. I will represent myself and plead guilty. I am genuinely sorry, I was stupid and I shall convey this.
Sorry to hear this Ian. I feel your pain as have been there before myself :ashamed:
What you have said above is the best thing to do. It will probably take a few month before you are actually asked to go to court. They will also ask you to to provide mitigating circumstances. I think a key point you should point out here is that you are self employed and work alone (correct me if im wrong), therefore being banned from driving could seriously effect your livelihood. I think it is very unlikely they would consider a ban however that is what i got but it was under different circumstances.
Good luck mate.
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Totally agree with what bendy said above, be apologetic, admit you were wrong and know that and point out that you have have a good driving history and this was a lapse.......
Good luck :happy2:
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I swear that sounds a bit steep 6 points? I got 3 and £60 for 47 in a 30. It was 6 years ago now though.
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I think that the mph differentials are the key to expecting what penalties are dished out. So in Ian's case, 79 in a 50 might be a heavier penalty than 79 in a 60 or 79 in a 70 etc.
The unfair part is that I think that the A3 is generally a fast road and, subject to traffic and conditions, 79 mph should be acceptable in its 70 zones and should that 50 zone actually be there? Perhaps it should.
Having said that, my only 2 tickets ever have both been for 93 mph in 70 zones and resulted in 3pts and £60 fines. I have been followed and stopped numerous times by unmarked cars and been doing in the 90's (in 60 and 70 zones) but only had verbal warnings.... So far! I've been very lucky.
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Could depend quite a bit on the Magistrate Guide lines Here:
http://www.speed-trap.co.uk/Accused_Home/SpeedVSFines/SpeedVSFines.htm
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Could depend quite a bit on the Magistrate Guide lines Here:
http://www.speed-trap.co.uk/Accused_Home/SpeedVSFines/SpeedVSFines.htm
^^^^ Useful link that :happy2:
So according to that link, Ian can probably expect a fine of anything between £45-£200 plus £30 costs and 5-6 points.
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i think the fact they didn't deal with it at the roadside with a 3 point fixed penalty means you may well get six and a fine at court
i feel your pain as i had a similar lapse in 2011 :fighting:
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Really sorry to hear this Ian. :sad1:
I know the road well. 50mph limit on that stretch is a snails pace IMHO.
Yes, you were in the wrong but a good boll*cking would have served a better purpose. I'm sure you'd not be doing that again after a talking too.
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Did they take a roadside statement?
You might be lucky and nothing comes of it, and they just wanted to sh*t you up.
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Hard luck Ian I guess its easily done.
When you go to court could you not dream up a really weird defence; like your suffering number blindness due to a bang on the head :rolleye:
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Mate got pulled on his bike for going "fast" when they finally caught up with him. They invited him to sit in the car and watch the video. Did they not show you the video? Turned out they were decent blokes and let him off with a stern telling off.
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Could depend quite a bit on the Magistrate Guide lines Here:
http://www.speed-trap.co.uk/Accused_Home/SpeedVSFines/SpeedVSFines.htm
^^^^ Useful link that :happy2:
So according to that link, Ian can probably expect a fine of anything between £45-£200 plus £30 costs and 5-6 points.
If I get that, I'll sell the car. No point having a car like mine having to drive it around sh1tting myself for 3 years on 6 points :sad1:
Can't afford to lose my license in my line of work.
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^^^^ Useful link that :happy2:
So according to that link, Ian can probably expect a fine of anything between £45-£200 plus £30 costs and 5-6 points.
Looking at his record and the conditions I would think Ian would be looking at the lower end but unfortunately I think we can all only surmise the outcome and hope for the best. The other sh*tty thing is a Summons can be quite a few months waiting for the court appearance.
Sorry to be the bearer of more bad news but legally you are suppose to inform your insurance company of a pending offence
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Did they take a roadside statement?
You might be lucky and nothing comes of it, and they just wanted to sh*t you up.
Hope so mate. They didn't take a roadside statement. Were they supposed to?
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When you go to court could you not dream up a really weird defence; like your suffering number blindness due to a bang on the head :rolleye:
....And then get a total ban until medically declared as 'normal' and probably having to take the driving test again. But you were probably joking :grin:
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Mate got pulled on his bike for going "fast" when they finally caught up with him. They invited him to sit in the car and watch the video. Did they not show you the video? Turned out they were decent blokes and let him off with a stern telling off.
No, didn't show me the video either.
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Unlucky for you, but it really depends on which police force it was that pulled you and whether they choose to follow it up or not. Fingers crossed.
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Did they take a roadside statement?
You might be lucky and nothing comes of it, and they just wanted to sh*t you up.
Hope so mate. They didn't take a roadside statement. Were they supposed to?
....I think that they're supposed to give you the opportunity to make a roadside statement if they inform you it will go to court.
This is where it gets tricky: Do you try and get off on a technicality but risk worse penalties if unsuccessful.
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I got done ages ago (2000) for exceeding the limit by 27mph. Result in court was 5 points and £300 fine...
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My mate came into work and said the two cops were great guys laughing and joking with him, thought to himself getting away with this no way they are humping me...........4months later and the court case arrived. He was sh*tting himself, same story representing himself, smartly dressed and very little trouble before, they still f*cked him. No way its going to be just £100 fine, the admin will cost that. Hope i'm wrong, maybe scottish cops are just harsh as f*ck and you could be lucky.
Stevie. :drinking:
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I got done a couple of years back for doing 96 in a 70 and was given 5 points and £230 fine. Might be ball park for you mate. Like you, I just took it on the chin. Got caught in a "drag" with a car that wouldn't let me overtake legitimately on a dual carriageway (70mph).
The policeman who stopped me was very understanding as I was completely at fault and held my hands up. He said I was 2mph from being given 3 points and £60.
Didn't attend court as pleaded guilty via post. Don't know if that makes a difference however.
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Ian I feel for you. :( Hopefully the below will help, and I know it won't be a easy ride til court - it is stomach turning. There are some rediculous speed limits about and this sounds like one - certainly loads where I am.
76 mph is where the limit changes from FPN to summons (although the option for summons is offered below 76 but it's upto the police), and police do have discretion to up/down this limit. Obviously depends on the cops unfortunately - for example one of my mates got a 3 pointer ticket for doing 60 in 30 mph zone at 02:00. Of no consolation I know though.
Pleading guilty at the earliest oppertunity will generally get you a discount on the fine which is based on weekly income however if you don't fill in the income page it is assumed to be £100. If you want to go guilty you don't actually need to go to court, but being present and saying sorry can help with the penalties and mitigation is certainly taken into consideration - certainly if you go in and say about work etc, you may be able to get fewer points for a larger fine, but totally upto the magistrate.
Did they laser you? Follow check or literally just callibrated speedo?? Just curious more than anything. :confused:
Check this - it's the Magistrates sentencing guidelines and what the court will work off - speeding is page 131:
http://www.northants.police.uk/files/linked/WCU/Magistrate%20Sentencing%20Guidelines.pdf
The guidance for the speed is 5-6 points OR 7-56 disqualification. You won't be disqualified that's 99.9999999% sure as you're literally just over the threshold and the fact you plan to go guilty. 79 mph means it will be a Band B fine so the least it will be will be eqv to 75% of your weekly income. This can range upto 125% of your weekly income.
Did you get a verbal NIP aka "I'm reporting you for the consideration of prosecuting you for the offence of excess speed blah blah blah". If so, that's all that's needed. Saying that it can sometimes be a warning, but it's 6 months for a prosecution to occur. There is no need to interview you/take a statement from you. Anything you saw could be noted by the cops and go in their statement but upto them. The only time you'd be interviewed in the car was when they wanted to confirm stuff like "Are you aware of the speed limit" etc etc. Makes their more water tight in some circumstances, but not needed. Let me know if I can help you any more. :(
I got done a couple of years back for doing 96 in a 70 and was given 5 points and £230 fine. Might be ball park for you mate. Like you, I just took it on the chin. Got caught in a "drag" with a car that wouldn't let me overtake legitimately on a dual carriageway (70mph).
The policeman who stopped me was very understanding as I was completely at fault and held my hands up. He said I was 2mph from being given 3 points and £60.
Didn't attend court as pleaded guilty via post. Don't know if that makes a difference however.
That' crazy. Anything upto 99 is a ticket where I am! :scared:
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Ian I feel for you. :( Hopefully the below will help, and I know it won't be a easy ride til court - it is stomach turning. There are some rediculous speed limits about and this sounds like one - certainly loads where I am.
76 mph is where the limit changes from FPN to summons (although the option for summons is offered below 76 but it's upto the police), and police do have discretion to up/down this limit. Obviously depends on the cops unfortunately - for example one of my mates got a 3 pointer ticket for doing 60 in 30 mph zone at 02:00. Of no consolation I know though.
Pleading guilty at the earliest oppertunity will generally get you a discount on the fine which is based on weekly income however if you don't fill in the income page it is assumed to be £100. If you want to go guilty you don't actually need to go to court, but being present and saying sorry can help with the penalties and mitigation is certainly taken into consideration.
Did they laser you? Follow check or literally just callibrated speedo?? Just curious more than anything. :confused:
Check this - it's the Magistrates sentencing guidelines and what the court will work off - speeding is page 131:
http://www.northants.police.uk/files/linked/WCU/Magistrate%20Sentencing%20Guidelines.pdf
The guidance for the speed is 5-6 points OR 7-56 disqualification. You won't be disqualified that's 99.9999999% sure as you're literally just over the threshold and the fact you plan to go guilty. 79 mph means it will be a Band B fine so the least it will be will be eqv to 75% of your weekly income. This can range upto 125% of your weekly income.
Did you get a verbal NIP aka "I'm reporting you for the consideration of prosecuting you for the offence of excess speed blah blah blah". If so, that's all that's needed. Saying that it can sometimes be a warning, but it's 6 months for a prosecution to occur. Let me know if I can help you any more. :(
Thanks mate, yes I got a verbal NIP as you describe. I reckon I'm going to court. I expect to get 6 points looking at all the responses so far. I shall take it on the chin, and go and do my best in court to demonstrate how seriously I take it and how sorry I am,
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CUT
Thanks mate, yes I got a verbal NIP as you describe. I reckon I'm going to court. I expect to get 6 points looking at all the responses so far. I shall take it on the chin, and go and do my best in court to demonstrate how seriously I take it and how sorry I am,
No worries pal. You not hear anything so fingers crossed, but clearly the threat is there and being realistic is probably the best way.
Your insurance company don't need to know btw regardless if what they say. Caselaw states that pending prosecuions only need to be declared when applying for insurance. You are not guitly until the courts says you are. Clearly though you may want to tell them for peace of mind - upto how you feel. Anything else just shout.
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sorry to hear this mate, its very easily done, recently had a discretion myself, 97 in a 70, 5 points and a £465 fine, expected the points but I thought the fine was a bit on top :smiley:
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The points will be from the guidelines, but for the fine, they will ask you to complete a form before the court case with what you earn and what your outgoings are. It will be enough to hurt you, but so you can afford to pay it.
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A member of my family's a magistrate.
From what I've heard the fine/points all depends on how you act in court and what you say, how you come across etc etc.
Refer to the magistrates as sir/ma'am or your worships if you end up going.
Good luck :smiley:
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I got busted doing 67 over the Ladymead crossroads in Guildford in 2011 on August Bank Holiday Sunday, resulted in 3points and £60 fixed penalty. I think these days it's unavoidable. :sad1:
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From what I've heard the fine/points all depends on how you act in court and what you say, how you come across etc etc.
Refer to the magistrates as sir/ma'am or your worships if you end up going.
....Yeah, but don't call a Sir a Ma'am! Or vica versa! You'll end up in the Tower of London.
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Sorry to hear this mate.
Another bit of input from my experience.
Got caught doing 89 in a 60 a couple of years back. Only car on the road for miles, dry roads sunny monday mid morning, clean record:
5 Points and £300 + fine IIRC
:sad1:
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From what I've heard the fine/points all depends on how you act in court and what you say, how you come across etc etc.
Refer to the magistrates as sir/ma'am or your worships if you end up going.
....Yeah, but don't call a Sir a Ma'am! Or vica versa! You'll end up in the Tower of London.
Or an it!
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Hey mate,
If they do decide to prosecute you for whatever reason please let me know as I am a Barristers' Clerk based in London. My Barristers deal with many driving offences cases. If you get anything through the post (court summons) let me know. I can get you free advice if you want from one of my Barristers, and if it does go to court and you want representation I will ensure I send a very good Barrister on your behalf and can put you in touch with a decent solicitor, not sure if you will qualify for Legal Aid on a driving matter but we can discuss your options if it comes to it and if you want to. Sorry, it isn't a sales pitch, just looking out for a fellow forum member :happy2:
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good luck buddy, hope it all sorts
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Hey mate,
If they do decide to prosecute you for whatever reason please let me know as I am a Barristers' Clerk based in London. My Barristers deal with many driving offences cases. If you get anything through the post (court summons) let me know. I can get you free advice if you want from one of my Barristers, and if it does go to court and you want representation I will ensure I send a very good Barrister on your behalf and can put you in touch with a decent solicitor, not sure if you will qualify for Legal Aid on a driving matter but we can discuss your options if it comes to it and if you want to. Sorry, it isn't a sales pitch, just looking out for a fellow forum member :happy2:
Thanks very much Reece. Much appreciated. I will contact you when the paperwork comes through :happy2:
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Based on all these responses sounds like I got extremely lucky when I was caught.
Good luck with your case mate :happy2:
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Thanks to all of you for your words of support and advice. It's very much appreciated. :happy2:
I shall collate all your sensible suggestions if the paperwork comes through, which it probably will. :sad1:
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FWIW.
Years ago when I'd just got my GTI (2007 maybe?) I got nicked on the motorway by an unmarked car at 11pm (on my way to Canterbury from home). Got done for 103 in a 70. Summons came four months later. In the end I got 6 points and £300, was happy to have that. This was in my GTI.
Full story is probably still stored on uk-mkvs.net somewhere. But don't lose hope, and don't sell the GTI! Especially not such a nice blue one :) Trust me you can survive the three years with 6 points. My license was clean then for a while, but I picked up 3 in Nov 11 which again was quite reasonable - think it was 68 in a 50 (heading towards Reading). They were looking for drunk drivers I guess. Officer was a nice bloke, had a friendly chat, and gave me the roadside 3pts/£60. This time was in something faster than a GTI...
I nearly got nicked by the neighbourhood watch old folks with a laser gun this morning! In an electric car no less! Luckily someone flashed their lights at me and I slowed down just in time, gave a wave to the old fellow as I drove past (silently).
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Thats 6 years ago neo.... now anything over 100 is almost certainly a ban.
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I nearly got nicked by the neighbourhood watch old folks with a laser gun this morning! In an electric car no less! Luckily someone flashed their lights at me and I slowed down just in time, gave a wave to the old fellow as I drove past (silently).
....What is that? I have never heard of such vigilante methods - Are they legal?
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Thats 6 years ago neo.... now anything over 100 is almost certainly a ban.
Anything over 96 in a 70 is normally a ban...
I got caught doing 97mph about 8years ago, went to court and they said they'd brought me there to ban me, but as it was my first offense and I had a letter from my boss saying my fledgling career would be affected and I needed my license for my job, and I was dressed smart and was apologetic I like to think... they gave me 4 points and £250 fine...
But 27mph over 70 isn't as bad as 79 in a 50... so hopefully for you maybe 6 points and £400 fine... but best of luck mate!
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Just seen this Ian - so sorry mate, we're all prone to little lapse's.
I think you've got the right attitude in how you're going to deal with this...
The mother in law was a magistrate for 10 years and making a good impression goes a long way towards the outcome - however, they do have to work within strict guidelines.
Good luck bud
Nige
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Thats 6 years ago neo.... now anything over 100 is almost certainly a ban.
100 on the motorway was a ban back then too. I was expecting it certainly. But I put on a suit at the magistrates and pleaded guilty and as it was my first offence I got the points.
I nearly got nicked by the neighbourhood watch old folks with a laser gun this morning! In an electric car no less! Luckily someone flashed their lights at me and I slowed down just in time, gave a wave to the old fellow as I drove past (silently).
....What is that? I have never heard of such vigilante methods - Are they legal?
As far as I know. They go out once a month in the morning, on the run in to work. About once every three months they have a copper with them supervising, so I presume it's all above the board!
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Alot of civillians were paid to have cameras set up in their gardens and allsorts in Germany. People privately contracted to use speed guns too I believe :fighting:
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Alot of civillians were paid to have cameras set up in their gardens and allsorts in Germany. People privately contracted to use speed guns too I believe :fighting:
We're one step away from this Mike...
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Alot of civillians were paid to have cameras set up in their gardens and allsorts in Germany. People privately contracted to use speed guns too I believe :fighting:
We're one step away from this Mike...
Haha that's hilarious! Is that RedRobin? :laugh:
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Alot of civillians were paid to have cameras set up in their gardens and allsorts in Germany. People privately contracted to use speed guns too I believe :fighting:
We're one step away from this Mike...
looollll, classic.
Community Speed Watch is the name for these community members. Normally in 30/40 zones I think.
Check this though - and be a local HERO! website about this but google it and loads of stuff will come up - http://bealocalhero.com/
Have to say I do find it funny sometimes. They generally use radar which not accurate! So we have 'trained' public using the guns now in addition to PCSOs and Police Officers. However, it is only Police Officers that can actually stop and ticket you.
There was a scheme in Cambridgeshire recently where the locals did a scheme like this and basically turned on side of the town against another. In the end it was disbanded after 'threats'!! Don't know if its funny or just plain crazy :p
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Community Speed Watch is the name for these community members. Normally in 30/40 zones I think.
Check this though - and be a local HERO! website about this but google it and loads of stuff will come up - http://bealocalhero.com/
Have to say I do find it funny sometimes. They generally use radar which not accurate! So we have 'trained' public using the guns now in addition to PCSOs and Police Officers. However, it is only Police Officers that can actually stop and ticket you.
There was a scheme in Cambridgeshire recently where the locals did a scheme like this and basically turned on side of the town against another. In the end it was disbanded after 'threats'!! Don't know if its funny or just plain crazy :p
....Personally I don't mind if these 'public spirited' 'tin gods' want to aim speed guns at me in 30/40 zones but I would be very concerned if it was in 60/70 zones and even some 50 zones.
I hope they wear high-viz gear because otherwise it would be easy to think they were a hitman/woman - Should they now be called 'hitperson'?
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Community Speed Watch is the name for these community members. Normally in 30/40 zones I think.
Check this though - and be a local HERO! website about this but google it and loads of stuff will come up - http://bealocalhero.com/
Have to say I do find it funny sometimes. They generally use radar which not accurate! So we have 'trained' public using the guns now in addition to PCSOs and Police Officers. However, it is only Police Officers that can actually stop and ticket you.
There was a scheme in Cambridgeshire recently where the locals did a scheme like this and basically turned on side of the town against another. In the end it was disbanded after 'threats'!! Don't know if its funny or just plain crazy :p
....Personally I don't mind if these 'public spirited' 'tin gods' want to aim speed guns at me in 30/40 zones but I would be very concerned if it was in 60/70 zones and even some 50 zones.
I hope they wear high-viz gear because otherwise it would be easy to think they were a hitman/woman - Should they now be called 'hitperson'?
Now there's a thought!!
Quick call to the Police, "Someone has just aimed a gun at me in a threatening fashion".... wouldn't take long for the Armed reponse to be there! :grin: IT also doubles up as an excuse for speeding.
Think I'll leave it up to someone else to try though.
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Just checked the magistrates guidelines...
It says between 76-85 in a 50mph results in a fine of a weeks wage, if you plead guilty early you get a third off.
And either disqualified for 7-56 days OR 6 points.
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I got caught doing 74 in a 50 a few years ago and only got 3 points and a £60 fine...
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^^^^^^^
Yer there's different guidelines for 74mph.falls in a lower band
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I hope they wear high-viz gear because otherwise it would be easy to think they were a hitman/woman - Should they now be called 'hitperson'?
Now there's a thought!!
Quick call to the Police, "Someone has just aimed a gun at me in a threatening fashion".... wouldn't take long for the Armed reponse to be there! :grin: IT also doubles up as an excuse for speeding.
Think I'll leave it up to someone else to try though.
....YES!! I like your idea! :happy2:
Don't exceed the speed limit but call the Police anyway about the perceived 'armed and dangerous' encounter.
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I hope they wear high-viz gear because otherwise it would be easy to think they were a hitman/woman - Should they now be called 'hitperson'?
Now there's a thought!!
Quick call to the Police, "Someone has just aimed a gun at me in a threatening fashion".... wouldn't take long for the Armed reponse to be there! :grin: IT also doubles up as an excuse for speeding.
Think I'll leave it up to someone else to try though.
....YES!! I like your idea! :happy2:
Don't exceed the speed limit but call the Police anyway about the perceived 'armed and dangerous' encounter.
jokes, that actually happened apparently - a friend in the RAF told me about the RAF Police doing speed checks on military roads outside the base when the IRA were very active years back. One raf tech was speeding and knew it and so floored it straight past them to the guard room to report what he suspected to be IRA activity. The whole terrorist contingency plans were implemented and the raf police told not to do speed gun on roads outside of the base - plus one lucky speeder.
Don't know how true it is though.
These schemes are useful. You talked about hi-vis jackets and guess these should be covered in risk assessment but that was one of the main points in the cambridgeshire. The volunteers would have someone in hi-vis but not in view so the person using the equipment didn't stand out. Obviously if you don't speed you don't get caught, but the main thing about the schemes is that they are meant to deter people exceeding the limit. The danger though, as demonstrated, is that people make it their mission (and no doubt feel slightly satisfied as a result) to catch as many people as people. This where some schemes fail.
There are a lot of stereotypes attached to those volunteering as well - one being "old people with nothing better to do". It is commendable that they want to be active citizens. I guess the following generations don't really feel morally obliged to do this sort of stuff??
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my brother in law got caught doing 82mph on a 50 zone around 6 months ago
he hired a solicitor and ended up getting out of it due to the calabration of the speed gun not being up to date.
dont know how common that is but if i got stopped myself i would probably ask for proof that i was doing that speed once it was clear i wasnt going to get just a warning.
it would annoy the officers but at this stage they are going to charge you anyway.
i dont know how it stands with speeding, do they need video proof ?
or is it enough that 2 officers agree you where speeding ?
i know they will speed gun you but does that device actually record what car is actually doing that speed ?
must be noted though that my brother in law ended up with no ban etc but did have a £4k solicitor bill :surprised:
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I don't think you will get more than 6 points.
Know of a member that got taken to court for 3 bald tyres, and he got off with 3 points and a small fine!!!!
Then a year later he launches his monster across a dual carriageway central reservation crashing into oncoming traffic, and he only got 4 points for that wtf!
The key seems to be to suck up to the judges/magistrates. This guys good at that.
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There's always gonna be proof because it's on the speed gun.
Could always try the calibration I suppose.
4k, jesus! I suppose work out the fine and the rise in insurance for the next few years and see which works out cheaper!
Narr 6 points is the maximum. As long as you dress smartly and show remorse and you're polite its going to be a lot more beneficial! But I'm sure you will. I've seen lots of people attend court in their smartest Lonsdale trainers and trakkie bottoms. God knows why they think turning up like that is a smart idea!
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I don't think you will get more than 6 points.
Know of a member that got taken to court for 3 bald tyres, and he got off with 3 points and a small fine!!!!
Then a year later he launches his monster across a dual carriageway central reservation crashing into oncoming traffic, and he only got 4 points for that wtf!
The key seems to be to suck up to the judges/magistrates. This guys good at that.
Sounds like your mate was definitely sucking ON a magistrate :signLOL:
Good luck Ian, fingers crossed all goes well :happy2:
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There's always gonna be proof because it's on the speed gun.
Could always try the calibration I suppose.
4k, jesus! I suppose work out the fine and the rise in insurance for the next few years and see which works out cheaper!
Narr 6 points is the maximum. As long as you dress smartly and show remorse and you're polite its going to be a lot more beneficial! But I'm sure you will. I've seen lots of people attend court in their smartest Lonsdale trainers and trakkie bottoms. God knows why they think turning up like that is a smart idea!
the £4k bill was the solicitors trying all different ways of getting out of it, the gun calibration was something they thought of at the end hence the large bill.
As for people coming dressed in their best lonsdale trainers and trackie bottoms, what complete idiots, they would have been as well turning up in their pyjamas.
I suppose if you where to ask for evidence the speed gun used was calibrated and up to date with certificate of this would be an inconvenience to the police but i suppose it is within your rights and is something you could do yourself without the intervention and cost of a solicitor, after all you are only asking if the equipment used was working properly.
Each speed gun has its own service / calibration certificate with a USAGE date.
I think that is something i would look into myself once i got the paperwork through, just a thought
:happy2:
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There's always gonna be proof because it's on the speed gun.
Could always try the calibration I suppose.
4k, jesus! I suppose work out the fine and the rise in insurance for the next few years and see which works out cheaper!
Narr 6 points is the maximum. As long as you dress smartly and show remorse and you're polite its going to be a lot more beneficial! But I'm sure you will. I've seen lots of people attend court in their smartest Lonsdale trainers and trakkie bottoms. God knows why they think turning up like that is a smart idea!
the £4k bill was the solicitors trying all different ways of getting out of it, the gun calibration was something they thought of at the end hence the large bill.
As for people coming dressed in their best lonsdale trainers and trackie bottoms, what complete idiots, they would have been as well turning up in their pyjamas.
I suppose if you where to ask for evidence the speed gun used was calibrated and up to date with certificate of this would be an inconvenience to the police but i suppose it is within your rights and is something you could do yourself without the intervention and cost of a solicitor, after all you are only asking if the equipment used was working properly.
Each speed gun has its own service / calibration certificate with a USAGE date.
I think that is something i would look into myself once i got the paperwork through, just a thought
:happy2:
Your well within their rights to ask for a certificate/proof. If they want to be difficult let them be, but generally they should be fine with it. It's part of the job. If you ask to see a callibration certificate you probably won't see one, but there will be a sticker on the side of the gun which is stuck on by the manufacturer when they do the testing (callibration is done by the manufacturer). It'll state date/time/number etc etc. Cops also should do pre and post checks on the gun anyway like a distance check and a beam allignment one to check what you targe is actually what you get.
Sucking up to the judges works a treat! I went to court for having my foglights on in my old r32 and went not guilty (they were aftermarket DRLs) and the magistrate loved me. Case dismissed within 10 minutes!! But equally if they like you the punishment dished out is less. Quick thing on the points. If you get reported for 3 offences which attract points, say I went through a red light, whilst talking on the my phone and speeding you'll only get 3 points for this but then the fine will relate to the 3 offences. You'll only get points for 1 offence - generally the higher one. My example tho you'll probably get stuck on for careless driving which is a different kettle of fish.
I love my degree :)
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Does anyone know the legal timeline by which they have to have contacted me by post?
This is living hell, I'm driving everywhere like Mother Teresa.I'd rather just take the 6 point hit now. :sad1:
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I think it could be anything up to months if not weeks, dont quote me on that :confused:
Try not to worry about, I know its easy for me to say, but it's happened now not alot you can do....
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I think it could be anything up to months if not weeks, dont quote me on that :confused:
Try not to worry about, I know its easy for me to say, but it's happened now not alot you can do....
Unfortunately true. The summons can take anything upto 6 months to arrive :(
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This is living hell, I'm driving everywhere like Mother Teresa.I'd rather just take the 6 point hit now. :sad1:
....All of us who have been hit for speeding whether it's a case like yours or just a standard 3pts+£60, have experienced what you are feeling now, Ian. You actually begin to question whether you can ever enjoy your driving again! And, if you are like me, you feel sickened that authority has any powers over you regardless of the rights and wrongs of it.
All you have to do to help get over it is be absolutely rigid in keeping to the 20/30/40/50 limits regardless of the dry clear conditions and lack of traffic and pick your moments on 60/70 roads very carefully and responsibly and anyway in the UK keep it under 96. You can have a lot of driving enjoyment on B-roads without very high speeds.
Do you have any alert devices such as PogoAlert etc - They are legal and really do help to alert you to any speed camera locations you happen to miss.
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Does anyone know the legal timeline by which they have to have contacted me by post?
This is living hell, I'm driving everywhere like Mother Teresa.I'd rather just take the 6 point hit now. :sad1:
Unfortunately can be Months I got caught in excess of 125 mph (was over 20 years ago when speeding wasn't such a hangable offence) and after about 4 Months was beginning to think they had forgot about me appeared in court 6 months after offence
BTW: Before you all think how reckless. it was 2.00 in the morning and the only other Car on the Motorway was the BiB behind me
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When i got caught it took around 4 months for the summons to come through. Think it can be up to 6 months
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But don't you have to get something through from the police first which confirms they are prosecuting you?
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But don't you have to get something through from the police first which confirms they are prosecuting you?
I'm not 100% sure but think as they have cautioned you at the scene that is the equivalent to an NIP
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When I got caught on the motorway (police officer in a van), I received my paperwork after about 10 days.
It is stated somewhere on the Internet that the paperwork has to come through within 14 days I think, but I'm guessing it's different to actually being stopped be a police officer.
Then the summons, as stated, could take a few months.
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The process is:
Reported at scene --> Summons paperwork or CPS letter of discontinuation --> Go to court.
Nothing else unfortunately. You were reported and now the next stage is receiving a summons with time/date. If you plead NG you will get another letter (actually more like a package) with all the evidence (statements etc), but should you guilty, you get nothing and merely wait for sentencing.
It's a crap system, and where minor offences are dealt with on a par with serious crime (ie: minor offences should be dealt with quickly as they take less time to deal with). The wheels of justice grind very slowly. Saying that, it is a mixed bag. You could get a summons next week with an hearing two weeks later. It's a waiting game unfortunately.
I've been through it before and got summonsed on the 5 month mark. It was the worst five months of my life. Went to court and case was dismissed as no evidence was produced. It is really hard and your stomach turns, but somehow you gotta try and get on - although it's really realy hard. I really feel for you and I know what i've said doesn't make it better at all :sad1:
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The process is:
Reported at scene --> Summons paperwork or CPS letter of discontinuation --> Go to court.
Nothing else unfortunately. You were reported and now the next stage is receiving a summons with time/date. If you plead NG you will get another letter (actually more like a package) with all the evidence (statements etc), but should you guilty, you get nothing and merely wait for sentencing.
It's a crap system, and where minor offences are dealt with on a par with serious crime (ie: minor offences should be dealt with quickly as they take less time to deal with). The wheels of justice grind very slowly. Saying that, it is a mixed bag. You could get a summons next week with an hearing two weeks later. It's a waiting game unfortunately.
I've been through it before and got summonsed on the 5 month mark. It was the worst five months of my life. Went to court and case was dismissed as no evidence was produced. It is really hard and your stomach turns, but somehow you gotta try and get on - although it's really realy hard. I really feel for you and I know what i've said doesn't make it better at all :sad1:
Thanks Jonny, but I don't plead guilty by post, do I? I actually want to go to court and plead guilty.
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Thanks Jonny, but I don't plead guilty by post, do I? I actually want to go to court and plead guilty.
....I think that you are required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty to the court beforehand so that a court's time isn't wasted. Wasting a court's time is a fast way of getting a worse judgement against you.
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Thanks Jonny, but I don't plead guilty by post, do I? I actually want to go to court and plead guilty.
....I think that you are required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty to the court beforehand so that a court's time isn't wasted. Wasting a court's time is a fast way of getting a worse judgement against you.
So I plead guilty beforehand and the attend for sentencing Robin?
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Thanks Jonny, but I don't plead guilty by post, do I? I actually want to go to court and plead guilty.
....I think that you are required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty to the court beforehand so that a court's time isn't wasted. Wasting a court's time is a fast way of getting a worse judgement against you.
So I plead guilty beforehand and the attend for sentencing Robin?
....Someone more expert will hopefully confirm/advise but I thought that you weren't disputing the case against you but were appearing in court to show a degree of remorse for your offence and in the hope that the 'sentence' might be reduced. I thought that a 'sentence' was more custodial and so you are facing a judgement with penalty.
I think that you would be very unwise to dispute your offence with a plea of Not Guilty as it can be so easily proved against you in Court and the judgement would undoubtedly be harsher. It shouldn't be but that's the reality in these matters.
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Thanks Jonny, but I don't plead guilty by post, do I? I actually want to go to court and plead guilty.
....I think that you are required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty to the court beforehand so that a court's time isn't wasted. Wasting a court's time is a fast way of getting a worse judgement against you.
So I plead guilty beforehand and the attend for sentencing Robin?
....Someone more expert will hopefully confirm/advise but I thought that you weren't disputing the case against you but were appearing in court to show a degree of remorse for your offence and in the hope that the 'sentence' might be reduced. I thought that a 'sentence' was more custodial and so you are facing a judgement with penalty.
I think that you would be very unwise to dispute your offence with a plea of Not Guilty as it can be so easily proved against you in Court and the judgement would undoubtedly be harsher. It shouldn't be but that's the reality in these matters.
Absolutely not Robin, I'm guilty, banged to rights, as I said above, I assume I attend in order to hear my penalty, and to demonstrate how seriously I take it. I have no intention of trying to wriggle out of it, or plead not guilty. I am merely trying to understand the process i.e. do I plead guilty by post, and then attend the summons?
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^^^^
I think that the written summons you receive will have a section where you plead Guilty/Not Guilty and then return it by post and progress from there. The Court (or its Clerk) will then have had time to prepare what's appropriate beforehand and consequently be more efficient in the time management of those judging what penalty you receive.
I have been to Court many times and quite enjoy it but I have only ever once received a Summons and that was in my mispent youth and I can't remember the details.
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^^^^
I think that the written summons you receive will have a section where you plead Guilty/Not Guilty and then return it by post and progress from there. The Court (or its Clerk) will then have had time to prepare what's appropriate beforehand and consequently be more efficient in the time management of those judging what penalty you receive.
I have been to Court many times and quite enjoy it but I have only ever once received a Summons and that was in my mispent youth and I can't remember the details.
Say no more..... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I got my summons, plead guilty by post then got a letter informing me of my points/fine. You then have to send your license away to be endorsed. Didn't have to set foot in court.
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I got my summons, plead guilty by post then got a letter informing me of my points/fine. You then have to send your license away to be endorsed. Didn't have to set foot in court.
Thanks for that :happy2:
Did you get the option to attend court for sentencing/penalty etc?
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Personally I think you will end up in jail and become the sex toy of a B.A. Baracus look alike.
Just my opinion that's all. :evilgrin: :signLOL:
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Personally I think you will end up in jail and become the sex toy of a B.A. Baracus look alike.
Just my opinion that's all. :evilgrin: :signLOL:
^^^^ :signLOL: :signLOL: :signLOL: :signLOL:
Are you gonna get yourself arrested and thrown into the same cell, Ian? :evilgrin:
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No Robin because despite what you hope and dream for I'm not Gay. :happy2:
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I got my summons, plead guilty by post then got a letter informing me of my points/fine. You then have to send your license away to be endorsed. Didn't have to set foot in court.
Thanks for that :happy2:
Did you get the option to attend court for sentencing/penalty etc?
Think I was offered the chance but didn't take them up on it! Can't remember to be honest, was about 3 years ago. Points come off my licenses in June!
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No Robin because despite what you hope and dream for I'm not Gay. :happy2:
....Excellent reply! :laugh:
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Got my Court Summons :sad1:
Say a little prayer to the God of Motoring on 28th March for me please chaps!
I'm pleading guilty by post but attending. Seems to be the sensible option. Worried :sick:
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.
Glad it's come up soon (if it had to come up) rather than extend any time getting worried.
There's no point getting too worried though - What's done is done and you are acting in your best interests by pleading guilty and attending.
Perhaps prepare some copies of written proof of how busy you are.... Your personal accident > resulting in loss of work > importance of your work (and need to drive) to your business recovery.
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Got my Court Summons :sad1:
Say a little prayer to the God of Motoring on 28th March for me please chaps!
I'm pleading guilty by post but attending. Seems to be the sensible option. Worried :sick:
At least you know whats going on now Ian. Think you have done the right thing to say you are attending. I tried to plead guilty and asked for it to be dealt with out of court but i think that just made it worse as they made me come to court in the end.
Think Robin has made some good points about your work. I would hope the would take this into account when deciding how many points/Ban length (unlikely possibility)
Slow drive to JKM tomorrow
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Got my Court Summons :sad1:
Say a little prayer to the God of Motoring on 28th March for me please chaps!
I'm pleading guilty by post but attending. Seems to be the sensible option. Worried :sick:
At least you know whats going on now Ian. Think you have done the right thing to say you are attending. I tried to plead guilty and asked for it to be dealt with out of court but i think that just made it worse as they made me come to court in the end.
Think Robin has made some good points about your work. I would hope the would take this into account when deciding how many points/Ban length (unlikely possibility)
Slow drive to JKM tomorrow
Yes, sorry Ben, our mini-convoy'll be getting overtaken by milk-floats! :signLOL: