Got Caught Speeding Last Night

panthro

panthro

panthro

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Joined
19 Nov 2004
Posts
12,633
Location
Wokingham
So I'm officially a child killer now. Dual carriageway (30mph limit) in Reading (Forbury), coppers with a gun said I was doing 54mph; I find that hard to believe I was going that fast but I know I was going well over the 30mph limit.

The reason I was is ridiculous. The car has a lot of pad deposits on the discs and has been juddering a bit, so I accelerated and then braked to slow at the junction (where they caught me). Got pulled over, went into the car; they showed me the gun etc and said it will go to court.

I think I'm facing a potential ban but they said as it's my first offence it will most likely be points and a fine. I'm not contesting it in any way, but am not sure if it's worth going to court to plead guilty or just pleading guilty via post? Any suggestions are welcome, or if you want to cast down your judgment feel free, I know I was driving too fast.

I couldn't sleep at all last night, got an hours sleep and woke up in a sweat with worry; possibly overreacting but if I lose my license then I will be pretty upset.
 
If the gun caught you at 54 then you were probably approaching 60mph indicated - why on earth would you be risking doing that in a 30? I think you'll do well to get just some points.
 
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Hard to say whether it'll actually go to court or not. You'll just have to wait for the forms to come through and see what happens - ie. whether you can plead guilty by post or actually have to attend court. As it was nearly at double the speed limit I'd say it'll be a court visit, but just wait it out. If you did get a ban it will probably only be for a month or so.

But in short nobody can say what you'll get. It's tough to get it off your mind but you need to try - it'll probably be a while before you get the letter and if it is a court visit it'll be an even longer wait for the court date.
 
Pepipoo calculator seems to suggest 6 points and up to £1000 fine based on an income of £750 a week, with a chance of up to a 56 day ban.

Magistrates' Court Penalty Guidelines

Eligible for COFP instead?No: Magistrates' court only
Points:6
Normal fine range:£563 - £750
Disqualification possible?Consider 7-56 days
Maximum fine:£1000
 
randal said:
Pepipoo calculator seems to suggest 6 points and up to £1000 fine based on an income of £750 a week, with a chance of up to a 56 day ban.

Magistrates' Court Penalty Guidelines

Eligible for COFP instead?No: Magistrates' court only
Points:6
Normal fine range:£563 - £750
Disqualification possible?Consider 7-56 days
Maximum fine:£1000
Click to expand...

Interesting, thanks for that. I can handle a 56 day ban. £1000 fine will be hard to stomach but that's the least of my worries.
 
Live and learn I guess, sadly its just one of those things, we have all probably been in similar situations at one time or another you were just unlucky in getting caught.
 
I was caught for 54 in a 30. Plead guilty at court and got a 28 day ban, no retake and no points even though I had only been driving for 3 months.

I got myself a solicitor to represent me.

Had to put a code on my licence for 5 years and my insurance went up a lot.
 
JOSH86 said:
I was caught for 54 in a 30. Plead guilty at court and got a 28 day ban, no retake and no points even though I had only been driving for 3 months.

I got myself a solicitor to represent me.

Had to put a code on my licence for 5 years and my insurance went up a lot.
Click to expand...

Did you plead guilty?
 
panthro said:
I didn't say that, I said I didn't realise I was going as fast as 54.

Also, it's favours.
Click to expand...

They mean the same thing - if you go to court and basically say you 'did not realize I was doing almost double the speed limit' they'll come down on you hard.
 
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