Expert Legal Representation for Speeding Offences
At Olliers Solicitors, our specialist motoring offence lawyers provide expert legal representation for individuals facing speeding charges across England and Wales. With decades of experience in defending complex road traffic cases, we understand how stressful and disruptive these allegations can be, especially when your driving licence and livelihood are at stake.
Whether you’ve received a Fixed Penalty Notice, or been summoned to court, our team is here to help. We offer clear, strategic advice and robust defence or mitigation tailored to your circumstances.
Speeding might seem like a minor offence, but it is something which is treated seriously by the courts and can have long-lasting consequences for motorists. The penalty you may face for speeding offence will depend on how far in excess of the speed limit you were, and any fine will depend on whether you were driving on a motorway or not. In less serious cases, you may be offered a speed awareness course or receive a fixed penalty notice. However, if the case goes to court, the potential consequences are much more severe. You could face a higher fine, between 3 to six penalty points, or even a discretionary disqualification. If you already have penalty points on your licence, another speeding offence could take you up to 12 or more penalty points, which will usually result in a six-month disqualification from driving under the totting up provisions. The only way to avoid totting up is if the court accepts that a ban would cause exceptional hardship to you, or others. Not every speeding allegation is straightforward and in some cases you may have a valid defence. Some common issues we see in explore are inadequate signage, errors with speed detection equipment or situations where a driver acted under duress. Alternatively, you may have special reasons not to endorse or disqualify. An example of a common special reason we deal with is when a motorist is speeding due to a genuine emergency. At Olliers, we understand that a driving disqualification can be devastating, especially for those people who rely on their license for work, family commitments, or simply your independence. That is why it’s so important to get specialist advice before you decide how to plead. Even if a complete defence is not available, we may still be able to put forward strong mitigation on your behalf to reduce the penalty or help you avoid a disqualification. If you have received a notice of intended prosecution or you are due to appear in court for a speeding offence, getting specialist legal advice early can make all the difference. If you or someone you know is facing a speeding allegation, please get in touch with our motoring department who are here to guide you through the process and provide the best possible representation to assist in preserving your licence.
What is Speeding?
Section 89 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 makes it an offence to drive a motor vehicle on a road at a speed exceeding the limit imposed (the speed limit).
Notice of Intended Prosecution
It is a requirement that a driver be warned of any potential prosecution either at the time of the offence, or within 14 days of the offence being committed. The warning can be verbal, or by notice to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
Defences
Factual Defence
The prosecution must prove that you were driving in excess of the speed limit. If the prosecution cannot prove that you were driving in excess of the speed limit, you are entitled to be acquitted.
Adequate Signage
Speed limit signs need to be appropriately located and clearly visible. If there was inadequate signage or the signage was not clearly visible you may have a defence.
No Evidence of Driving
The prosecution must prove that you were driving the vehicle. If there is insufficient evidence, the case may be dismissed.
Duress
If you were speeding due to threat of imminent harm or serious injury this could amount to a defence.
Calibration
Speed cameras and speed measurement devices must be correctly calibrated and maintained. If there are doubts about the accuracy of the equipment, we can challenge the reliability of speed recorded.
Penalties
The penalties for speeding vary depending on speed and whether the offence occurred on a motorway or not.
If faced with a speeding offence, a defendant can expect the following:
- Between 3-6 penalty points or a discretionary disqualification; and
- Up to an £1000.00 fine (or up to a £2500.00 fine if offence is committed on a motorway).
Mitigation
Alternatively, if defending the case is not in your best interests, Olliers can provide expert representation and mitigation to try to limit the penalties imposed.
If the accumulation of the penalty points would face you to “tot up”, Olliers can provide the expert representation needed to present an exceptional hardship argument to avoid a driving disqualification.
How Olliers Solicitors can help with a Speeding Allegation
Our motoring law specialists have a proven track record in defending and mitigating for clients who are facing a speeding allegation.
We will:
- Assess the strength of the prosecution’s case
- Identify any procedural errors or evidential weaknesses
- Explore possible defences
- Represent you in court and negotiate for reduced penalties where appropriate
Why choose Olliers
- Nationally recognised criminal defence firm
- Specialist motoring law team with decades of experience
- Offices in Manchester and London, representing clients nationwide
- Clear, jargon-free advice and personal support throughout your case
- Representation in both Magistrates’ and Crown Courts
We understand how important your driving licence is to your personal and professional life. That’s why we fight tirelessly to protect it.
Need a Specialist Speeding Lawyer?
Early legal advice can make a significant difference to your case. Our expert speeding solicitors are here to help, offering confidential and professional legal support at every stage of your case.
Contact our specialist motoring team by completing the form below, emailing info@olliers.com or telephoning 0161 8341515 (Manchester) or 02038836790 (London).
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Manchester
Head Office
- 0161 8341515
- info@olliers.com
- Fourth Floor, 44 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP