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16
Oct 2018
Do you know your (speed) limits?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as the ‘speeding allowance’ providing drivers with some leniency against speeding. For example, if you’re doing 33mph in a 30mph, you’re still breaking the law and can be prosecuted for an offence just the same.
Speeding is a statutory offence, so no matter how justifiable your reasons for speeding are, although they may be entirely legitimate and honest, you’re still committing an offence, which is sufficient for the authorities to charge you.
For your reference, here are some of the most common vehicles’ (current) speed limits, depending on the type of road:
Type of Vehicle | Built-up areas (unless specified) | Single carriageways | Dual carriageways | Motorways |
MPH | MPH | MPH | MPH | |
Cars and motorcycles | 30 | 60 | 70 | 70 |
Cars towing caravans or trailers | 30 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
Motorhomes (up to 3.05 tonnes) | 30 | 60 | 70 | 70 |
Buses and coaches (up to 12m in length) | 30 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
Good vehicles (up to 7.5 tonnes) | 30 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
If you get caught speeding, the police have a number of options to pursue you:
- Verbal warning by the police;
- Requirement to attend a speed awareness course (unless you’ve already taken one in the last 3 years);
- Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 and 3 points on your licence or;
- Issue you with a court summons, typically if you’ve exceeded 20mph the prescribed limit or you refuse to accept the Fixed Penalty Notice and £100 fine. Going to court can mean you face much more serious consequences if found guilty.
- Additionally, the police have the discretion to decide to take you to court if you already have more than 8 points on your licence.
If you go to court to contest a speeding charge, common defences include: you weren’t speeding, it wasn’t you driving, there wasn’t proper notice of the speed limit or the speed camera identified the wrong vehicle.
If one of these defences sounds familiar to your situation, get in touch with us today on 01924 379078 to speak with one of our motoring law specialists. We can advise you of your best options, realistic outcome and to fight the case on your behalf in court.
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