Frequently Asked Questions

Things you might be wondering if you’ve had a speeding, seatbelt, or traffic light offence letter.
If none of these answer your question, please get in touch via the contact page.

Why have I received a Notice for a Camera detected offence?

  • The vehicle the notice refers to is either registered to you, or you have been nominated as the driver at the time of the alleged offence.
  • Exceeding the speed limit or contravening a red light is an offence where a fine and penalty points are mandatory.
  • However, as an alternative, if strict criteria have been met, an educational course might be available to find out if you can take a course, fill in the form attached to the notice, return it, and you’ll receive a letting tell you what your options are.
  • Excessive, inappropriate speed is a contributory factor in one third of all fatal and serious collisions. The Notice you’ve received is in line with a Government Strategy to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads.

I was the driver of the vehicle, what must I do now?

  • You need to fully complete Section A
  • You MUST complete you driving licence details and provide your date of birth. You are legally required to sign and date the form.
  • Return the completed form to: Safer Roads Unit, PO Box 1984, Liverpool, L69 3EQ.
  • After that, you’ll get a second letter to let you know what your options are.

Can I make an admission or reply online?

  • Due to current legislation, you can’t make an admission online. You’ll need to complete and return the paper form by post.
  • I was not the driver of the vehicle, what do I do?
  • If you weren’t the person driving the vehicle, it’s important to let us know straight away – just follow the link.

What if I don’t know who was driving my vehicle?

  • It’s vital, even if you don’t know who was driving your vehicle or all of their details, not to ignore the notice you’ve had. You need to respond within 28 days of the date of the notice. Otherwise. you might be prosecuted for the offence of failing to provide the required information which carries a maximum fine of £1000 and 6 penalty points.
  • By law it’s the responsibility of the registered owner/keeper, or any person subsequently nominated, to respond to the Notice of Intended Prosecution) and provide the identity of the driver at the time of the alleged offence If you can’t give that information because you don’t know, you can be prosecuted.

What happens if the vehicle is registered to a company?

  • The Company Secretary, Director or Manager needs to nominate the driver. That can be done using the online nomination form by logging in here (TBA)

What happens if I ignore the Notice of Intended Prosecution?

  • You are required in law, under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, to respond to the Notice within 28 days of the date on it.
  • If you don’t respond, as well as the alleged offence to which the Notice refers, you can also be prosecuted for a second alleged offence of failing to provide the required information. This offence carries a maximum fine of £1000 and 6 penalty points.

Can I request photographic evidence or the calibration certificate?

  • Photographic evidence, speed and the offence location are all recorded (although they aren’t used to identify the driver – that’s the responsibility of the recipient of the Notice of Intended Prosecution).
  • You might find it helpful to view the images by logging in here.
  • You can see a copy of the calibration certificate here.
  • PLEASE NOTE: IT ISN’T A LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES TO BE MADE AVAILABLE.

How do I know the speed is correct?

  • All speed detection devices used by The Safer Roads Unit have Home Office Type Approval, as required by Section 20 Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. They’re all calibrated and checked as required by Type Approval and manufacturer’s instructions. No device is used without a current valid calibration certificate.

My Notice of Intended Prosecution arrived more than 14 days after the alleged offence. Is it valid?

  • Even if you’ve received the notice more than 14 days after the alleged offence, and you’re the nominated driver, you’re still required by law to respond.
  • There’s no requirement on the prosecution to prove that you received the notice – only that it was posted in sufficient time for it to be received within 14 days.

Are my Human Rights infringed if I respond to this notice?

  • No. You’re obliged to provide the information as requested.
  • The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights held that the nature of information sought by a Notice of Intended Prosecution under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 does not constitute a breach of human rights. This decision was upheld by the High Court of the United Kingdom.
  • If you fail to respond, it could result in prosecution.

Can I plead mitigation in this matter if I feel there was a justified reason for my alleged offence?

  • Yes – you have the right to contest the matter in court.
  • However, if your mitigation isn’t accepted by the magistrates, they’ll determine the level of any fine and the number of points to be awarded, and you won’t have the chance to attend a course as an alternative or pay the original fine (which could be less).
  • You need to say straight away, in writing, if you want the matter to be heard at court.

Why are there no 30mph speed limit signs in the area?

  • Qualified drivers are expected to know and understand the Highway Code
  • All roads with a system of regular street lighting (i.e. at least 3 street lamps each spaced no more than 200 yards apart) have a speed limit of 30mph unless signed otherwise. Large ‘gateway’ speed limit signs will be placed where the changed speed limit commences (e.g. from national limit to 30mph).
  • Smaller ‘repeater’ signs are only required if the speed limit on these roads is over 30mph.

I could see the speed limit sign ahead, so why did I receive a Notice?

  • Where speed limits change there will be a large ‘gateway’ speed limit sign on either side of the road. The new limit does not apply until you have reached and passed the sign.
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