Scarsdale Solicitors: The right solicitors for a speeding offence
You’re on your way home after a long, exhausting day. Maybe your mind’s wandering, perhaps you missed a sign, or you exceeded the speed limit by a fraction of a distance over time, then suddenly, blue lights flash behind you. Your stomach drops. The police are pulling you over, and it’s likely for a speeding offence.
It’s a moment that rattles even the calmest drivers. Sometimes it’s just a small slip-up, other times it might be something more serious, like a speeding offence. Either way, the stress kicks in fast, and the legal stuff that follows? This can feel unsettling.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what a speeding offence means, what the law says, the kind of penalties you might be facing, and how Scarsdale Solicitors can help make sense of it all and fight your corner when it matters most.
What Is a Speeding Offence?
A speeding offence is something many drivers might find themselves in, whether by accident or in a moment of poor judgment. Essentially, it’s when you drive faster than the speed limit. It’s more common than you might think, but that doesn’t make it any less serious. Understanding what this offence involves is the first step to dealing with it properly.
What Does the Law Say About Speeding as an Offence in London?
The law is clear about speeding offences. It’s designed to keep everyone safe on the roads, according to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984”.
Under UK law, it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on public roads at a speed above the legal limit. A person cannot be convicted of speeding based solely on one witness’s opinion about the speed; they need more substantial evidence. This law applies to various road traffic laws, including those passed after 1st September 1960.
Additionally, suppose an employer sets unrealistic timetables or schedules that can only be met by driving excessively fast. In that case, that timetable may be used as evidence that the employer encouraged or pressured their drivers to break the law.
The rules are strict because speeding increases the risk of accidents. Knowing your legal standing can help you prepare for what comes next.
Penalties for Speeding Offences in London
Getting caught for a speeding offence isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it can hit you hard. The penalties depend on the severity of the offence, but they’re never fun to deal with. Here’s what you could be facing:
Basic Penalties
- Minimum penalty: £100 fine and 3 penalty points.
- Disqualification: Accumulating 12 or more points within 3 years can result in a driving ban.
If Caught by a Speed Camera
- Within 14 days, you’ll receive:
- Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
- Section 172 notice (you must respond within 28 days, identifying the driver).
- Failing to respond to the notice may result in a court summons.
- After returning the Section 172:
- You’ll get either a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a court summons.
If Stopped by Police
- Police can:
- Give a verbal warning
- Issue/send an FPN
- Order you to attend court (you’ll receive a letter).
Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)
- Plead Guilty:
- £100 fine + 3 penalty points
- May be offered a speed awareness course (if eligible)
- Plead Not Guilty:
- Must attend court
- Risk of a higher fine and more points if found guilty
Court Penalties
- Fine based on speed and income:
- Up to £1,000 (standard roads)
- Up to £2,500 (motorways)
- Possible disqualification or licence suspension
New Drivers (within 2 years of passing test)
- The licence will be revoked if you get 6 or more penalty points.
These consequences can disrupt your life, ranging from increased insurance costs to the loss of your driving ability. That’s why getting expert help is so important.
How Scarsdale Solicitors Can Help You When You Are Charged With a Speeding Offence in London
At Scarsdale Solicitors, we understand the stress of facing a speeding offence. Our team specializes in helping drivers like you maintain their licenses and avoid the most severe consequences. With a 98% success rate and over 200 glowing reviews, we’ve built a reputation for getting results. We dig deep into your case, challenge evidence when appropriate, and guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s negotiating for reduced penalties or representing you in court, we’re in your corner. And language is not a barrier, as our services are deemed to cater to people, whether you speak Urdu, Punjabi, or English.
Get Expert Help Today
Don’t let a motoring offence derail your life. If you’re facing charges for a speeding offence or any other driving issue, reach out to Scarsdale Solicitors today. Contact us via the following channels:
Call us at 01616606050
Email info@scarsdalesolicitors.com
Visit Scarsdale Solicitors
Book a consultation.
Let us help you get back on the road with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Facing a motoring offence can leave you with a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones we hear, answered in plain English:
1. What exactly counts as a speeding offence?
A speeding offence happens when you drive faster than the legal speed limit. It could be just a few miles over, or something more serious—but either way, it’s considered breaking the law.
2. I’ve just been caught speeding—what happens next?
If a speed camera catches you, the authorities will usually send you a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a Section 172 form within 14 days. You’ll need to say who was driving. After that, you’ll either get a Fixed Penalty Notice or be asked to go to court.
3. How much could I be fined for speeding in London?
Fines start at £100 and 3 penalty points. But if your case goes to court, you could be fined up to £1,000 or £2,500 if it happened on a motorway. The fine amount often depends on how fast you were going and your weekly income.
4. Can I lose my licence for a speeding offence?
Yes. If you collect 12 or more points in 3 years, you could face disqualification. And if you’re a new driver (within 2 years of passing your test), just 6 points can lead to your licence being revoked.
5. What if I wasn’t the one driving when the offence happened?
You must return the Section 172 notice and name the person who was driving. Failing to respond or giving false information can land you in even more trouble, including possible court action.
6. Do I have to go to court for a speeding offence?
Not always. If you accept the Fixed Penalty Notice and plead guilty, you can often avoid court. But if you plead not guilty or if the case is more serious, a court appearance may be required.
7. Can Scarsdale Solicitors reduce my penalty?
Absolutely. We scrutinize the details of your case and may be able to challenge the evidence or negotiate for reduced penalties. We’ve helped hundreds of clients protect their licences and avoid harsh outcomes.
8. I speak Urdu/Punjabi. Can you still help me?
Yes, definitely. At Scarsdale Solicitors, we make sure language is never a barrier. Our team provides legal support in English, Urdu, and Punjabi to ensure you feel fully heard, understood, and confident at every stage of your case.
