Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Has anyone here ever challenged a speeding fine? What do you think of this?

80 replies

Laiste · 01/02/2023 14:38

Got letter today asking for confirmation of driver for offence of doing 36 in a 30 mph area.

It was only 2 days ago, the police van sometimes lurks on a particular spot beside the lane as you enter the next village to ours. The van's easy to see from a distance and i remember seeing it and thinking - oh there's the police van. The lane is national speed limit (60 for rural road) and I was already slowing down for the village (i don't go over 45 ish on this stretch as it's bumpy) but glanced at my speed to double check and made sure i went into the village and past the van at about 25/28pmh.

So - got this letter and couldn't understand it. Gone on the police website to check photos and the photo is taken pointing up the lane, with me driving towards the camera, and in the foreground is the 30mph sign and i'm still 10/15 meters away from it. Slowing down.

... i mean, i would have been doing under 30 as i past the sign., and then the van.

What do you think? Should i challenge it?

OP posts:
Billybagpuss · 01/02/2023 14:48

It doesn’t make any sense for the police to set it up like that? I guess you could include a photo and query for when you return the NIP.

User478 · 01/02/2023 14:49

Even police vans make mistakes, challenge it.

Original poster
Laiste · 01/02/2023 14:54

Yeah i thought this. I was doing 36 when they took the pic, but ... i hadn't got to the 30 sign Confused

OP posts:
DRS1970 · 01/02/2023 14:55

I challenged a speeding fine because the limit sign was obscured by trees. It went to court, where I produced a photo showing trees obscuring the sign. The case against me was dropped on the spot. I was doing 40mph in what I thought was a 40mph limit, but it was actually a 30mph limit. I represented myself and was quite nervous, but the judge was really nice to me, and was patient, and guided me through the process.

Original poster
Laiste · 01/02/2023 14:56

User478 · 01/02/2023 14:49

Even police vans make mistakes, challenge it.

I'm not at all sure of the procedure to challenge. But i really feel like i might look into it.

If you challenge and fail does the penalty go up?

OP posts:
redspottedmug · 01/02/2023 14:58

Sounds like a no-brainer.
Instructions will be in the correspondence.

Original poster
Laiste · 01/02/2023 14:58

DRS1970 · 01/02/2023 14:55

I challenged a speeding fine because the limit sign was obscured by trees. It went to court, where I produced a photo showing trees obscuring the sign. The case against me was dropped on the spot. I was doing 40mph in what I thought was a 40mph limit, but it was actually a 30mph limit. I represented myself and was quite nervous, but the judge was really nice to me, and was patient, and guided me through the process.

Well done for going through with it!
Oh God i guess i'd have to go to court over it then?

I can't just send an email saying ''look at the picture - this is just daft!'' no ?
😂

OP posts:
Neededanewuserhandle · 01/02/2023 15:01

I thought they didn't let you see the evidence until you named the driver?
I'd want to make sure they couldn't counter by saying you couldn't have slowed to 30 by the sign, but it does seem ludicrous form how you have explained it.

Original poster
Laiste · 01/02/2023 15:01

I have to say i half expected loads of posts saying ''it's a little known fact you have to slow down to 30 as soon as you SEE the sign even if it's in the distance!''.

OP posts:
Neededanewuserhandle · 01/02/2023 15:02

The sign in the foreground is definitely the change of limit and not a repeater?

Original poster
Laiste · 01/02/2023 15:05

Neededanewuserhandle · 01/02/2023 15:01

I thought they didn't let you see the evidence until you named the driver?
I'd want to make sure they couldn't counter by saying you couldn't have slowed to 30 by the sign, but it does seem ludicrous form how you have explained it.

Yes it seems you can. I was surprised how easy it was tbh.

You go on local police website and enter 2 numbers which are on the letter and click photos. And there you are!

I would like to post the pic here - but not sure about doing it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Laiste · 01/02/2023 15:06

Neededanewuserhandle · 01/02/2023 15:02

The sign in the foreground is definitely the change of limit and not a repeater?

Good question!

I'm 90% sure it's the only sign as you come towards the village.

I might drive up the lane later and check!

OP posts:
Oblomov22 · 01/02/2023 15:10

I agree, go and check the sign first.

Hellsmovie · 01/02/2023 15:11

Laiste · 01/02/2023 15:06

Good question!

I'm 90% sure it's the only sign as you come towards the village.

I might drive up the lane later and check!

Show quote history

Cant you use google earth?

OneTC · 01/02/2023 15:12

30 repeaters are still pretty uncommon, although they do exist now. 30 used to be the only sign that didn't have repeaters

Original poster
Laiste · 01/02/2023 15:13

I will Oblomov.

And i'm going to post the pic ...

OP posts:
Original poster
Laiste · 01/02/2023 15:14

Hellsmovie · 01/02/2023 15:11

Cant you use google earth?

Show quote history

<face palm>

yes .... 🙃

OP posts:
JustFrustrated · 01/02/2023 15:14

Yes I'd challenge that 100%

36mph on approach to a 30mph area, a good 10m clear of it? You'd barely need to break to remove the speed...

Soontobe60 · 01/02/2023 15:14

DRS1970 · 01/02/2023 14:55

I challenged a speeding fine because the limit sign was obscured by trees. It went to court, where I produced a photo showing trees obscuring the sign. The case against me was dropped on the spot. I was doing 40mph in what I thought was a 40mph limit, but it was actually a 30mph limit. I represented myself and was quite nervous, but the judge was really nice to me, and was patient, and guided me through the process.

Maybe next time don’t speed? You don’t need to see a sign to know the speed limit - and if you can’t see one, assume the limit is 30!

Original poster
Laiste · 01/02/2023 15:15

here i am

Has anyone here ever challenged a speeding fine? What do you think of this?
OP posts:
Hellsmovie · 01/02/2023 15:16

I think you were speeding . Your past the sign for oncoming traffic

Soontobe60 · 01/02/2023 15:16

JustFrustrated · 01/02/2023 15:14

Yes I'd challenge that 100%

36mph on approach to a 30mph area, a good 10m clear of it? You'd barely need to break to remove the speed...

😂😂😂

Soontobe60 · 01/02/2023 15:16

Op, please post the image!

LittleDonkeyKong · 01/02/2023 15:16

The sign facing that way says you should be doing 30 where you are. You are in the 30 zone?

SeasonFinale · 01/02/2023 15:17

That shows you coming out of a 30 zone as the 30 sign is facing the other carriageway so shows you firmly in it.