If you have been out in your car during lockdown you would have noticed how quiet the roads are, with car travel decreasing by 73% to levels not seen since 1955. The quieter roads have however led to the number of speeding allegations increasing. Some police forces have reported that speeding has more than doubled in their area. The speed cameras are still in use and police forces are continuing to pull drivers over for exceeding the speed limit.
When a driver is alleged to have driven over the limit, he or she will receive a notice of intended prosecution. This notice requires the registered keeper of the vehicle to identify the driver at the time of the alleged offence. The registered keeper has 28 days to respond to this notice, failing to do so could lead to a further offence being committed of failing to furnish information which could result in 6 penalty points and a financial penalty. The 28 days is a strict deadline even if the registered keeper is self-isolating. These notices are still being issued by police forces, if you receive a notice you should seek legal advice to discuss your options moving forward.
Drivers need to be aware that due to the lockdown speed awareness courses are not running meaning if you are convicted of speeding you will receive points rather than the option of attending a speed awareness course. This could have consequences if a driver already has 9 points on his or her licence as a further 3 points would result in them being a ‘totter.’ If you have 12 points of your licence you are likely to be disqualified for a minimum of 6 months unless you can demonstrate to the court that if you were to lose your licence it would cause exceptional harm (out of the ordinary). Each exceptional hardship case has different elements to it and it is important to seek legal advice to prepare and a present an exceptional hardship argument.
Due to the technical nature of this area if you are charged or investigated with any driving offence it is crucial you seek legal advice. If you need to talk to someone please contact our criminal team on enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk or 01753 889995.
