NIP

[jerryhzx12]

Recieved a NIP through the post from plod recently. Allegedly doing 59mph in a 50 zone (in my tintop, not the Westie!) I know with absolute certainty that as I came up to and passes the "safety camera" (ha ha) van I was doing no more than an indicated 50mph +/- 1 or 2 mph, as I had been flashed by several cars approaching the van, knew it was there , and was keeping an eye on the speedo (although I will admit to being a bit cavalier in national speed limit areas, I am also pretty scruplulous in defined limit areas, irrespective of the presence of plod). Having confimed myself as the driver, but added explanatory note, latest communication is that I must either cough up £60 and take 3 points, or attend court where I may end up with 6 points plus £1000 fine. The best outcome of attending court would be that I was correctly found innocent, but would lose a days income (self employed) far in excess of the £60   . I also suspect some b****y camera would be given more credence than my sworn evidence, indicating that state believe me to be a liar. I am getiing all Victor Meldrew over this, having a good rant, but really, what sort of dodgy bullying police state are the "road safety" nutters building around us ?

Discuss..

[jeff oakley]

The problem you have is the system is stacked against you. The mags belive the infailibity of the camers and their operaters. they are just after the dosh and would really like you to fight it as they will justify their exsitance and you pay more. My advice relutanly unless you have overwhelming evidence that the operater is wrong the signage is wrong or some other hope in hell, take the fine it is easier.

[dombanks]

Apart from your word how can you prove you were doing the right speed? I'm not doubting you but If your sure you were doing 50 and the plod think you were doing 60 then something is out ??

[wilsonch]

All depends on how for away from the camera van you thought you were when you decided that now is the time to do 50 mph. The camera vans can 'see' a long way, so you thinking that a few hundred yards before the van was enough, may not have been if you were on a long straight road.

[jerryhzx12]

I am 100% satisfied I was travelling at 50 as I crossed the spped limit boundary and remained as such approaching the van, and thereafter was actuallt slowing in anticipation of the 40mph zone shortly after. It appear we have been lowered to the levekl of a 3rd wordl country where the cops level whatever trumped up charges and take what they can from anyone they can.....

[Nic Ayre]

A lot of areas are now offering a Speed awareness course, which is an option to the fine and I think points, but not 100% sure.  

There is also something about a change in the law where I think you will be responsible for court costs whether you are innocent or guilty and I don't think legal aid is available, a nice little legacy from the Labour party.

Who says we live in a free country!!

[carpetstu]

Speed awareness "you are a naughty boy" days ...

You still get the fine but not the Tesco points.

[housebeautician]

I think they have cameras now that can do you at 400m.

Speed courses are for criminals who are done for under 40 mph.

its not a fine its a FEE, no points but it is recorded so dont withhold it from the insurance co.

I know that from experience.

Do yourself a favour just pay it, their all bent.

[cabbron]

as above for an easy life,does make your P**s boil tho when you are sure you were within tolerance.time for some new parking sensors??

[Blatman]

I think they have cameras now that can do you at 400m.

If it was a van with "safety partnership" staff manning the speed trap, the range is massive as they use lasers. Correctly calibrated, they can "see" sell over 1000 metres on a straight road.

And as noted the burden of proof is on the driver. Unfortunately, claiming (or proving) your speedo is poorly calibrated or not functioning correctly ism't going to get you off, just deeper in trouble

If you do want to doa bit of research to see if a defence is viable, surf over to Pepipoo or The Association of British Drivers...

[Martin Keene]

Work the system chap.

And the first stage of that is chucking the NIP in the bin, if it wasn't delivered by recorded post then they can't prove it was delivered.

[Blatman]

Lying about receipt of an NIP and being caught = perverting the course of justice. The NIP will go away, but along comes jail time. Magistrates punish NIP dodgers *severely*. I guess you have to ask if it's worth the risk...

[Martin Keene]

I'm not saying dodge it entirely, but work the system. And the first stage of that is ignore the first NIP. Then ask for photographic evidence, etc.

The whole system is based upon people rolling over and admitting guilt, if you prepared to put a little effort in to step outside of the system and make them earn their money, the chances are they will know when it is costing them more than they will earn and drop it.

[Barry Ashcroft]

You used to be able to do that but not anymore they passed a change in the law over 2 years ago in which if you ignore they will just summons you as the registered owner and automatically give you 6 points and a huge fine circa £350.

I now this as it happened to me I then had to go to court to get them to reopen the case and argue it back down to the 3pts & 60spot.

Far easier to let them rest there balls on your chin and take it.

s**t I know but that's the uk now and I can't see it changing

[samcooke]

QUOTE

if it wasn't delivered by recorded post then they can't prove it was delivered.

AIUI 1st class post is legally deemed as being delivered 2 days after being sent.

--

If there is genuine concern that their machine is inaccurate there must be something that can be done to confirm it, but don't wait to see the magistrates to try. As has been said, if you get there they'll view you as yet another speeding driver trying to dodge a fine and wasting their [the taxpayer's] time and money.