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Speeding offence: will a court take account of the time and road conditions?
On my wedding day 2 weeks ago I was flashed by a camera facing me and have now received a NIP for doing 47mph in a 30mph limit at 7.13am on a Saturday morning. I don't dispute that I was doing that speed, I was in my boyfriend's car (now husband's) and didn't realise how fast I was going as I admit I wasn't concentrating as much as usual. I am so annoyed though as I never speed in urban areas and I am a GP so need car for work. From what I've seen on here I'll get FPN - 3 points and £60 fine, is there any chance I'll get taken to court? Could I take a speed awareness course instead or was I too much over the limit? I presume there's no point contesting it as I'm guilty and may get more severe penalty, particularly if they think I wasn't concentrating fully. Do courts ever take into account the time of day and how busy the road was?
47mph in a 30mph is below the limit (50mph) where ACPO guidelines suggest you should be taken to court so you will receive 3 points and a £60 fine. Speed awareness courses are not normally available for driving at 38 mph or more in a 30 mph limit. The courts can take into account the time of day and road conditions in the penalty they hand down, but speeding is an absolute offence and you are unlikely to get better treatment by the court than you would by accepting the fixed penalty.
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