court summons

[kiwibella]

I don't know what to do and I'm getting more confused and upset reading advice online. Can anyone please advise me what I should do next following a court summons after a speeding offence.

Briefly, I travelled at 29mph in a 20mph area (Tower Bridge, London) back in August. A Notice of Intended Prosecution was sent to our leasing company (26 August) who then nominated my husband as the hirer of the vehicle (7 September). My husband didn't reply immediately. Following a reminder, I filled out the form admitting that I was driving, he signed it and it was returned (21 October). Then, I was sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution and also didn't reply immediately but completed the reminder that arrived (22 November). Since then, I had forgotten about this because I hadn't heard any more... until I received the summons in the post yesterday.

I am concerned about what to do. I am guilty of driving with excessive speed and I have admitted to this. I don't understand why it has become a court matter? I am upset at the threat of court action which I will not be able to attend (I live 80 miles from London) and I am fearful about the expense of a fine and court costs.

Hi
Not sure i can help with your fears but the same type of thing happened to me several yrs back.
I was stopped by police and issued a fixed penalty for speeding and had to produce at station, there was a mix up there and several months later i got a court summons, the summons stated that I didnt need to attend as it would proceed in my absence so i didnt go. There were about 3 hearings (i sent a letter pleading not guilty, stating the mix up), all of which i didnt attend and on final one I was given 5 points instead of 3, a £200 court fine (not sure what it'd be now) and a £100 speeding fine instead of fixed penalty. But I arranged to pay in instalements of £5 per wk so wasnt worried, just the principle i guess.

But i was speeding, so i did take it on the chin.

look at www.peppipoo.com

thank you both. I totally accept that I was speeding and expected points and a fine. I'm blown away that I got a court summons instead. It's good to know that you were able to make instalments and that you were treated fairly without being there in person for the decision.

thanks for the link Resolution.

Yeah, I'm sure the fact that u were only doing 29mph....I know i might get yelled at for that one!...will go in your favour, I was doing considerably more - have learnt my lesson now tho!
Those five points really stung me on the insurance but fingers crossed they'll just give u 3. I expect the judge will take one look and wonder what u r doing there anyway and wrap it up quickly with min fine/points.