[GraemersNI]

Hello folks, i'm in need of some advice.

I was caught today doing 50mph in a 30mph speed limit by police with a radar in an area that I rarely ever drive. The area they caught me has no 30mph signs, the only sign it has is a national speed limit sign a few hundred meters down the road. It does have street lights however, the street lights carry on all the way down past the national speed limit sign. I have a video of it aswell. All the other exits on the roundabout have signs for the other exits, but exit has no signs except the national speed limit sign. The cop said "it's well sign posted" whenever there isn't any what so ever.

Do i have a case to fight against this?

Ive never had any trouble with the police, i'm on the verge of becoming a prison officer and i can imagine this would affect me being able to work with them. I also have a baby girl on the way in September and i need to be driving to take my girlfriend to appointments and eventually to hospital when it's go time. I'm still in my first two years of driving so if i get the maximum 6 points i'm done for.

Any help or advice would be appreciated greatly, thank you!

[Beelzebub]

According to the police guidelines*, at 50 in a 30 limit, you should be offered a fixed penalty (£100 and three points), so the question of going to court shouldn't arise.

Whatever happens, you won't get a criminal record.

* = In England and Wales.

[Santa]

The law is unequivocal:

National speed limits


A speed limit of 30 miles per hour (48km/h) applies to all single and dual carriageways with street lights unless there are signs showing otherwise.

https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits

I think this is a question that frequently comes up in the theory part of the driving test, and certainly, all drivers should be aware of it. The dilemma you have is that if you plead guilty by post, you will probably lose your licence and have to take your test again. The alternative would be to let it go to the magistrates' court, plead guilty, and try for a reduced penalty. They could reduce it to three points and a week's pay.

You may find it worthwhile to go to the best site for all motoring legal problems: http://pepipoo.com/

[GraemersNI]

@Beelzebub

Thanks for the info, ill certainly not be making this mistake again. All the best.

[GraemersNI]

Thanks for the information guys, it's a mistake i certainly won't maks again. All the best folks.

[Santa]

Originally Posted by Beelzebub

According to the police guidelines*, at 50 in a 30 limit, you should be offered a fixed penalty (£100 and three points), so the question of going to court shouldn't arise.

Whatever happens, you won't get a criminal record.

* = In England and Wales.

I read that 50 in a 30 limit exceeds the maximum allowed for the lower penalty. According to the table on the RAC site: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/l...peeding-fines/ "40 to 50 mph = Disqualify 7-28 days OR 4-6 points plus 100% of relevant weekly income."

I agree that a speeding conviction is highly unlikely to affect a job application unless that job involves driving.

[Beelzebub]

Originally Posted by Santa

I read that 50 in a 30 limit exceeds the maximum allowed for the lower penalty. According to the table on the RAC site: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/l...peeding-fines/ "40 to 50 mph = Disqualify 7-28 days OR 4-6 points plus 100% of relevant weekly income."

I agree that a speeding conviction is highly unlikely to affect a job application unless that job involves driving.

That table applies to sentencing in a magistrates' court.

The police guidelines provide for a fixed penalty up to 50 mph: if that is offered and accepted, then the courts won't be involved.

[Santa]

@Beelzebub Sadly, the OP probably won't come back and tell us what happened.

[RudolphVeach]

I appreciate the advice.

[stevenagesaint]

A police friend of mine always said to me if there are street lights it is classed as a built up area so 30mph unless there is a speed limit sign. No street Light, National Speed Limit

[Beelzebub]

Originally Posted by stevenagesaint

A police friend of mine always said to me if there are street lights it is classed as a built up area so 30mph unless there is a speed limit sign. No street Light, National Speed Limit

A very good rule in life is never to ask a police officer for legal advice. However, on this occasion he was right. Or nearly right: the term "built-up area" no longer applies, rather it is a "restricted road".

The Highway Code explains it, so every driver should know. No need for a police friend!

[Rolebama]

FWIW: Since the start of HS2 work in the area, most of the NSLs inmy local area have gradually gone from NSLs to 50, then 40, and some are now 30mph speed limits. Apparently our car-hating Borough leaders say this is a safety measure. (Even on those roads with no HS2 connection.) It will be interesting to see what happens to them when HS2 work is completed.
I would also point out that some of the lanes have those smiley face signs and some do have warnings of the 30mph speed limit ahead. Not all though, and some signs are hidden by tree foliage.