Speeding Offences – Covent Garden Motoring Solicitors

Speeding is one of the most common driving offences in the UK, and it’s something our Covent Garden solicitors deal with on a daily basis. The offence occurs when a vehicle travels above the legal speed limit for the road.

With speed cameras on almost every street, along with roadside police checks and advanced speed detection devices, thousands of motorists face fines, penalty points and even disqualification every year. What may seem like a minor slip can quickly escalate into a serious matter with long-term consequences.

How Speeding Offences Are Detected

Speeding can be detected in a variety of ways, including:

• Unmanned speed cameras (fixed or average-speed systems)

• Police officers with speed guns or handheld devices

• Patrol cars following and monitoring a vehicle

• Mobile police camera vans

If caught by unmanned equipment, you’ll usually receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a Section 172 request requiring you to confirm who was driving. There are strict deadlines for responding to this paperwork, and failure to reply correctly could lead to further charges. Seeking early legal advice can make all the difference.

Penalties for Speeding

The penalty you face will depend on the speed, the road limit, and your driving history. Outcomes may include:

• Speed awareness course (instead of penalty points, in lower-level cases)

• Fixed Penalty Notice – 3 points and a £100 fine

• Court hearing for more serious offences, where penalties may be harsher

In some cases, it may be possible to request a short-term discretionary driving ban to avoid points on your licence. However, excessive speeds or repeat offences can lead to lengthy bans.

Totting Up Bans

If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within three years, you could face a minimum six-month “totting up” disqualification. This can have devastating consequences if you rely on your licence for work or family responsibilities. Our Covent Garden solicitors can often argue exceptional hardship to help reduce or avoid a lengthy ban.

New Drivers

If you have passed your test within the last two years, the consequences are even more severe. Just 6 penalty points will result in your licence being revoked by the DVLA, and you’ll need to re-sit your driving test. We regularly represent new drivers to help minimise the damage and protect their future on the road.

📞 If you’ve received a speeding ticket, Notice of Intended Prosecution, or court summons, call our specialist Covent Garden motoring solicitors today. We’ll assess your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your licence and livelihood.