What to Do If You’ve Received a Speed Camera Activation Letter or Notice
If you receive a speed camera activation letter or notice of intended prosecution (NIP) from a police officer or by post, it’s important to understand the seriousness of the situation and the legal implications that follow. Ignoring the speed limit is a criminal offence in the UK, and can impact your driving record. This article will explain what to do when you get one of these notices so you can deal with it properly and avoid more penalties. We’ll go through how to respond to the notice, what happens if you don’t comply, and how #1 Motoring Solicitors can help you.
A speeding camera activation letter is the same as a speeding ticket and is issued if you are caught speeding by a camera. In certain circumstances, like extreme speeding offences, you may also receive a court summons.
Respond Within 28 Days
After you are caught speeding, you are legally required to respond to the speed camera activation letter or notice of intended prosecution (NIP) within 28 days of receipt. If you don’t, you’ll face more severe penalties. The notice will ask the last known address of the registered keeper of the vehicle for information about the driver at the time of the alleged offence.
This is a legal requirement, not a request, and ignoring it will get you into more trouble than the original speeding offence. This is especially true for new drivers, who can have their licence revoked if they accumulate 6 or more points in their first two years after passing their driving test.
Expect a Fixed Penalty Notice
Once you’ve confirmed the driver, you’ll get a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). This will usually be a fine and points on your driving licence. The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points on your driving licence. The FPN gives you the option to pay a lower fine and accept the penalty points without going to court, saving you time and potentially more serious consequences.
The fixed penalty system is designed to be simple so you can deal with minor offences quickly and easily. You may also receive an offer to attend a speed awareness course as an alternative to the penalty points on your driving licence.
Pay the Fine Online
Once you get the FPN you can pay the speeding fine online which is usually the easiest way. The notice will tell you how to pay, so the process will be as smooth as possible. Paying promptly will avoid further legal action and potential higher penalties. It’s an admission of the offence, so generally gets the matter resolved quicker.
What Happens If You Don’t Respond?
Not responding to a speed camera activation notice can get you into big trouble, and will be added to your criminal record.
- Fines: You could get a fine of up to £1,000 or £2,500 if it’s a more serious offence, like one on a motorway. This is to deter you from ignoring the process.
- Points on Your Licence: Additional points can be added to your licence, which can affect your insurance and driving privileges.
- Disqualification from Driving: If you get 12 points or more on your licence within a 3-year period, you could be disqualified. This can have a big impact on your personal and professional life, as you’ll be unable to drive legally.
How Can #1 Motoring Solicitors Help?
At #1 Motoring Solicitors, we provide legal support to individuals dealing with a speeding ticket or other offences committed on the road. Our team members are motoring law specialists, and we offer bespoke advice and strategic guidance to help you deal with the situation. We’ve dealt with cases like yours many times, so we can give you the best defence, represent you at your court hearing, and work to reduce the penalty or even have the charge dropped.
We know dealing with a speeding ticket is stressful, and want to reduce that stress by providing professional representation and personal service. Our expertise can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.
Take Action Now
Receiving a speed camera activation letter or notice is a serious matter that needs to be dealt with immediately. Acting quickly by responding within the time frame, paying the fine and getting professional legal support can reduce the consequences. If you’ve received a speeding ticket, contact #1 Motoring Solicitors for expert advice and further information today.
