When someone is issued a speeding ticket, I understand that they have the right to contest it in court. But, if you contest it then you must go to court, and you are agreeing to pay the costs if you lose.
If someone honestly believes they have been wronged, why should they find themselves impoverished simply because they wanted the opportunity to give their view on the matter? Looking at the websites devoted to contesting speeding tickets, it appears £600 is a typical court fee. Quite steep when weighed against taking the £60 fixed penalty, even if you know you're in the right. You can't guarantee the court will agree with you.
Here's how I got onto worrying about it - I was driving along the M3 this morning. Whilst going through one of the many SPECS-monitored roadworks, I passed a proper national speed limit derestrictor. Along with the cars around me, I accelerated up to 70 until I saw another "50" sign much further down the road. So, along with the other cars I slowed to 40 to try and bring the average down but due to the distances it's entirely possible I will have averaged 60mph between two cameras.
So, if I get a nice letter through my door inviting me to 3 points and £60, simply saying "No, I complied with the posted speed limits" could cost me £600, plus the magistrate is at freedom to up the fine if he so wishes!!!
I also understand that if you get put in court for *criminal* charges then you are NOT liable for court costs and you get a free lawyer because you have no alternative but to stand trial (no £60 and slapped wrist option).
So, how does one seek justice without missing next month's mortgage payment?
(By the bye, if you want entertaining reading try some of these forums about contesting speeding fines. Some of these d***heads want to know the easy way to get off a charge of 100mph down the high-street whilst giving the v-sign to a group of magistrates and bumming a nun. I exaggerate, of course. Slightly.)
If someone honestly believes they have been wronged, why should they find themselves impoverished simply because they wanted the opportunity to give their view on the matter? Looking at the websites devoted to contesting speeding tickets, it appears £600 is a typical court fee. Quite steep when weighed against taking the £60 fixed penalty, even if you know you're in the right. You can't guarantee the court will agree with you.
Here's how I got onto worrying about it - I was driving along the M3 this morning. Whilst going through one of the many SPECS-monitored roadworks, I passed a proper national speed limit derestrictor. Along with the cars around me, I accelerated up to 70 until I saw another "50" sign much further down the road. So, along with the other cars I slowed to 40 to try and bring the average down but due to the distances it's entirely possible I will have averaged 60mph between two cameras.
So, if I get a nice letter through my door inviting me to 3 points and £60, simply saying "No, I complied with the posted speed limits" could cost me £600, plus the magistrate is at freedom to up the fine if he so wishes!!!
I also understand that if you get put in court for *criminal* charges then you are NOT liable for court costs and you get a free lawyer because you have no alternative but to stand trial (no £60 and slapped wrist option).
So, how does one seek justice without missing next month's mortgage payment?
(By the bye, if you want entertaining reading try some of these forums about contesting speeding fines. Some of these d***heads want to know the easy way to get off a charge of 100mph down the high-street whilst giving the v-sign to a group of magistrates and bumming a nun. I exaggerate, of course. Slightly.)