Caught speeding? You’re not alone. Speeding offences remain the most common traffic violation across the UK, with over 2.3 million drivers receiving penalties annually. At Scarsdale Solicitors, we are expert motoring solicitors who specialise in defending drivers charged with a speeding offence UK across England and Wales, with a high success rate in motoring offence cases.
Whether you received a Notice of Intended Prosecution through your letterbox or face court proceedings for excessive speed, understanding your options is essential. Our speeding offence solicitors have successfully defended hundreds of clients, helping them avoid points, reduce fines, and protect their driving licences.
What is a Speeding Offence UK?
A speeding offence UK occurs when a driver exceeds the legal speed limit for the road or vehicle they are driving. Speeding is classed as an offence under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
UK Speed Limits
The speed limit on UK motorways is 70 mph, while on a single carriageway, it is 60 mph, and on a built-up area it is 30 mph. It is becoming increasingly common to see 20 mph limits in residential streets and city centres.
How Speeding is Detected
Speed Cameras include fixed speed cameras, mobile speed cameras, and average speed cameras. Police Officers use radar guns or follow a vehicle to measure its speed.
The Speeding Offence Process
Notice of Intended Prosecution
Usually, the registered owner of the car will be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) detailing the offence and a document called a Section 172 notice. This needs to be returne,d declaring who was driving the car at the time of the offence. Failure to respond to a section 172 notice is an offence.
Fixed Penalty Notice
Once the NIP is returned, a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) may be issued to the driver. This is a conditional offer of a fine and penalty points, usually £100, and three licence points. If the person accepts that they are guilty, they can pay the fine and accept the points. If the person wants to plead not guilty, they will have to go to court to contest the charge.
Speeding Offence UK Penalties
The maximum sentence for speeding on a motorway is £2,500. The maximum sentence for speeding on any other kind of road is £1,000.
Sentencing Bands
UK courts categorise speeding offences into three distinct bands based on severity. Band A covers minor speeding (typically 1-10 mph over limit), Band B addresses moderate speeding (11-20 mph over), and Band C encompasses serious speeding violations (21+ mph over limit).
Band A (Minor Speeding)
Band A offences usually result in three penalty points and fines equivalent to 50% of weekly income.
Band B (Moderate Speeding)
Band B violations attract four to six points with fines reaching 100% of weekly income.
Band C (Serious Speeding)
Band C offences may trigger disqualification alongside fines up to 150% of weekly income.
Speed Awareness Courses
If a person is caught speeding by a speed camera or a police officer, they may receive a verbal warning or be asked to attend a speed-awareness course instead of being prosecuted.
Speed awareness courses offer alternatives to penalty points for eligible drivers. Courses apply to first-time offenders whose speeds fall within specific parameters above speed limits. Drivers remain ineligible if they’ve attended courses within three years or if speeds significantly exceed limits.
Totting Up and Driving Bans
If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points for offences committed within three years of each other you could face a 6-month (minimum) driving ban under the penalty points disqualification rules.
New Drivers at Greater Risk
New drivers face additional restrictions under the New Drivers Act. Accumulating six or more points within two years of passing their test results in licence revocation, requiring both theory and practical test retakes.
Exceptional Hardship Arguments
If you face a totting up ban, our speeding offence UK solicitors can present exceptional hardship arguments. This involves demonstrating that disqualification would cause hardship exceeding normal inconvenience, such as inevitable job loss or inability to care for dependents.
Defences for Speeding Offences
Many people assume they must accept a speeding ticket. However, several defences may apply:
Procedural Defences
The NIP must be served within 14 days. Speed camera equipment must be properly calibrated and maintained. Signage must comply with legal requirements.
Identification Issues
The prosecution must prove you were the driver. If identification cannot be established beyond reasonable doubt, the case may fail.
Technical Challenges
Speed detection equipment can malfunction. Our solicitors examine calibration records and maintenance logs to identify potential errors.
Why Choose Scarsdale Solicitors?
High Success Rate in Motoring Cases
Our proven track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients facing a speeding offence UK charge.
Led by Shazia Ali
With over 20 years of specialist experience in road traffic law, Shazia Ali brings unparalleled expertise to every case.
Transparent Pricing
We offer fixed fees for straightforward cases, free initial consultations, and payment plans to suit your circumstances.
Contact Scarsdale Solicitors Today
Don’t accept a speeding offence UK penalty without exploring your options. Our expert solicitors can assess your case and advise on the best course of action.
📞 24/7 Emergency Line: 0161 660 6050
📍 Office Address: Reed House, 3–4 Hunters Lane, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 1YL
🌐 Website: www.scarsdalesolicitors.com Or complete our online contact form for a callback within hours.
Scarsdale Solicitors: Defending Your Rights, Protecting Your Future
