a friend of mine has just told me she is up in court tomorrow for her 4th speed camera offence My initial reaction was "serves you right for speeding" but she is genuinley worried she will lose her license and hence lose her job......I know nothing of these matters but wondered how likely it is that she will lose her license? Anyone know about these things please?

Has she been offered one of those course thingies instead?

They only get offered to first timers I beleive
or to those not excessively speeding, i.e. only 35 mph in a 30mph limit..
anything over = points/court etc

My chum got offered it when it got to the point of a banning level of points although not excessive just totting up, but I guess different areas will vary.

You get offered a seminar if you haven't a speeding offence in the previous three years in Humberside Police Authority Area & you are just over the tolerance level(went on one last year<blush>I forgot they had reduced a speed limit by 10mph one morning at 4 am!)

They set the tolerance level at 10% + 2, Durham Police Authority on the other hand have a nil tolerance level so beware

I wonder - is this the 4th time in her life that she has been speeding - or the 4th time that she has been caught speeding?

She should be worried - the next time she speeds, she could kill someone. :(

Margot

Once is foolish ........................... :( :( :(

Daisy

I'd say she is very likely. And really she should have thought about that before speeding!

I have to say, no matter what her circumstances, I'm with your initial reaction Sam.  There's no excuse for speeding once let along four times.  In these circumstances the most she's going to lose is her job - how would she have felt if someone else had lost their life....?

I've seen a child scoot out in front of a car before and, God thank him, the driver was already under the speed limit and stopped several feet from the child.  If it had been a speeder....  As it was it shook up everyone who witnessed it really badly.  I have no sympathy for anyone caught speeding.

An old scottish joke has this auld man, pleading with the Lord, "Lord, I didna ken that I wis gain' tae die sae soon - I wadna' hae acted in the way I did - I wad hae been sae guid ....." and the Lord replied "well, you ken the noo!"

Maybe she needs the shock of a ban - before she does kill someone!   Better to lose a job than a child loses a life!

Margot

yes I agree, I have a real problem with people that speed & moan about cameras etc......Its something i am most particular about. I just thought i would try & find out the lkelyhood of her actually losing her licence so as to know what to expect tomorrow!! (me not her)

I've been fined by Humberside Police, they are extremely stringent and I've just found my licence, phew so I can pay it off.

Humberside Police fined my friend who was doing 1 mph over the speed limit but then let her go on the course instead.

She will need to come up with the best cock and bull story she can think of to save her skin I think..

Sam

If she mentions in court that she will lose her job if she looses her licence they may let her off with a larger fine.

However if she is persistently speeding in the same area or areas then this is unlikely as they will think she is taking the mick.

Cheers

Just wondering - how many of us NEVER go over 70mph on a motorway ?.
I do, nothing excessive but I do go over 70.

Val

Ive been penalty point free for 10 years, until the last 6 months where ive managed to accumulate 6 points!!!!!  The 1st one was on Sheffield Parkway, me thinking i was driving under the limit at 48mph as i thought it was a 50 zone, but apparently when you get to the other end it goes down to 40!! The 2nd one was in Manchester when i was doing 40 (again thinkin it was the limit) but apparently it was a 30 limit (a dual carriageway ). Anyway, obviously it was my fault because even though i didnt see any signs i should have looked for them. But it has really upset me due to the fact that i didnt purposely speed as i thought i was actually under the limit, and ive been points free for 10 years :(

Hi,
people in the west midlands on the Chester Road were there are speed camera's all along.
Have been fined and points for going at 32 miles per hour instead of 30. first timers.
I agree Val, there can't be many of us, if truthfull, have never exceeded the speed limit.
I once went as fast as you could in traffic to Good Hope Hospital, when my Gandson split his head open quite badley.
On open roads it is easy to look down and see 75mph with out even realizing.

Nowadays there seems to be 30mph limits popping up all over the place. I have nothing against them in built up/populated areas but on A roads with no housing - not necessary. A lot of this isn't about stopping accidents, it's about making money.
I'm luckily point free at the moment but I can see a time in the near future when very few of us will be and it won't be through dangerous driving.
I'd rather somebody going slightly over the limit (where not dangerous to do so) than sit behind somebody going under an already low limit which I consider just as dangerous.
I definately think 70mph on a motorway is ridiculous - a minimum and maximun should be set.

Val

I agree Val :)

Can't agree with having the speed limit higher than 70mph - if it is lifted to say 80mph, then soon people will be asking for it to be lifted to 90mph. Also, as our motorways are so busy, it has been proved that if you reduce the limit, then the traffic flows more freely :)

Whilst on the subject - we were very impressed by the French regard for speed limits while on holiday recently. Particularly, going through villages, there was almost 100% of people sticking to the limits and it is quite common to bring the limit down to around 20mph outside schools, playgrounds etc.

I have no sympathy for anyone who is convicted for speeding - the law is the law and must be obeyed :) No-one has the right to think that it's not intended for them, or that it's stupid and so doesn't matter :) Just my opinion :)

Daisy

Daisy  Have you driven on the motorways in france?

If so you will know that the vast majority of people speed on them.  Having taken my motorbike over there and enjoyed the nice roads at not a slow speed I have had many a French car come past me a lot faster!

Whilst I agree that the law is the law so you shouldn't really complain when you are caught speeding I agree with the comments that they speed limits could be increased on major routes.  Speed only kills when you hit something - you hit a stationary object at 70 and you will most probably die as quickly as if you hit it at 100mph.  Speed is only an issue when it is inappropriate to the conditions (consider black ice).  I have seen people crash motor bikes at in excess of 150mph and walk away (yes it was on a track)  but they walked because they were wearing the correct gear and didn't hit anything

we have to get down off our high towers and stop being overly critical

I likt the german system - very strict on the built up roads and EVERYONE obeys the system. No speed limit on the autobahns <sp>

No speed limit on the autobahns

There were when I was last there Mind you one of my German friends drives like a manic ! I couldn't keep up with her even in my Impreza ;)

They maye have introduced some variable speed limits - but the majority are still free of speed limits I am led to believe:

http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/driving.html

:)

Although the autobahns in Germany are not subject to an overall speed limit (the blue speed limit signs, usually showing 130, are suggested maximum speeds), many stretches of autobahn are covered by signed speed limits, which are mostly closely observed by the Germans

From this link

& also Speed limits

Despite the widespread belief of complete freedom from speed limits (and a lobbying effort that has the same influence and deep pockets as the American gun lobby), some speed regulations can be found on the Autobahns.  Many sections do indeed have posted limits ranging from 80 to 120 km/h (50-75 mph), particularly those with dangerous curves, in urban areas, near major interchanges, or with unusually constant heavy traffic.  In construction zones, the limit may be as low as 60 km/h (37 mph).  Also, some sections now feature nighttime and wet-weather speed restrictions, and trucks are always regulated (see table below).  Still, about half the Autobahn system has no speed limit, but there is always an advisory limit of 130 km/h (81 mph).  This recommendation is generally seen for what it is-- an attempt by the government to cover itself without having to upset millions of Porsche and BMW owners (AKA voters.)  However, if you exceed the advisory limit and are involved in an accident, you could be responsible for some of the damage costs even if you are not at fault.

from this link this link

Of course they do also have minimum speed limits as well :D as the sign on there shows

I can only speak as I find - we only came back from France a few weeks ago, having not driven over there for 6 years. We did a lot of mileage, getting down as far as the Dordogne. Whilst I can't pretend that no car was speeding on the motorways, the speeds were FAR slower than here and most of the people who were speeding on the way back north were British :D I can only comment on what I found - we have holidayed in France for over 25 years and previously I would have said that the French were worse than us :)

By the way - speed doesn't always kill when you hit someone - I was hit by a car when I was 13 and had to spend 4 months in hospital. I'm not quite sure which high tower you would like me to get down from :D

Daisy

I think the french speed limit is 80 on a motorway and 68 on a dual carriageway - but they change according to weather conditions :)

Yes - 130kmh and 110kmh when it rains :)

Daisy

If she has points from all the previous offences (these must have occurred in the last 3 years) and this one takes her up to 12 then she will be banned for 6 months unless there are exceptional circumstances.  Loss of a job can be considered exceptional if it can be shown for example that the income is essential for her dependants.

I would never speed, i don't care what the reason is :)

The 70mph limit was set in 1965......cars and motorways are much safer now. I don't mind it staying at 70 as long as people learn to drive on motorways correctly. If they can't keep up to the speed limit they should not be in the overtaking lanes. Definately bring in minimum speed limits.
It does seem stupid - whatever speed limit they set people can drive up to that limit - it doesn't take into account any sort of conditions. Somebody on a motorway can drive at 70mph in icy conditions but not be breaking the law. Somebody else on a motorway in perfect conditions, empty road ahead driving at 80mph is breaking the law. Doesn't make sense to me. Most accidents are caused by careless and dangerous drivers.......speed doesn't have to be involved.

You're absolutely right. It's not speed itself that's dangerous - it's inappropriate speed. Motorways are theoretically the safest of all roads because there's no traffic coming in the opposite direction, and on an empty motorway in good weather conditions (sometimes when I've been n the motorway there's barely another car in sight) a speed much higher than 70 in a modern car would be perfectly safe. As you say, the motorway speed limit was set in 1965, when the average family car would be hard-pushed to do 90 on a test track. Nowadays family cars can easily do 100 or more, and have better brakes to boot.

The dangerous drivers are the CLODS (Centre Lane Owner-Drivers) who refuse to use the inside lane, even when they're not overtaking anything, and cause other drivers to bunch up behind trying to pass.

Has anyone else noticed how aggressive folk are getting in their cars? I overtook a push bike yesterday and the car in the opposite direction was plenty far enough away in a 50pmh limit... but still he flashed his lights and stuck his finger up as he went past. Nice.

Personally, I don't speed. In fact I get shouted at by my kids if I don't go over 60 Anyone who does speed deserves anything that comes their way (hopefully not another speeder though ;) )

What really annoys me (apart from CLODS :) ) is the fact that cars nowadays are MADE to go faster. Why? What are the manufacturers trying to accomplish? The speed limit is 70, so why make a car that can do 160? Doesn't make sense

I do speed but when I know it is safe :) I never speed in a under 40 limit though :)

I have a very good understanding of how to drive a car as have driven performance cars for a few years now ;)

It is not speed that kills, it is carelessness.
Thats what my dad says, and seeing as he was on the ambulance for nigh on 20 years and has seen more road accidents than the majority of people. This view is taken by ALOT of police personel and fire personel as well. So not just one persons view point!!!! LOL
The worst drivers are the ones that go 40 in a 60 zone and then stay at 40 in a 30 zone. I cannot understand those!!!!
Also the old people that can hardly walk/move their heads/see/etc etc etc that still drive, alot of the time they ARE the 40mph drivers.
I am a firm believer in having compitency tests after a certain age. AND people should be done for driving too slow for the conditions as well as too fast (Which I am sure humberside did a while ago)
They should have unmarked police cars driving around watchimng the driving standard and pull people over for that instead of being so hot on the speed. I am sure alot of accidents would be avoided if the standard of driving was policed instead of the speed!!!!!!! LOL
Sorry will get off my high horse.
Lea :)

Another big annoyance of mine is seeing children without seatbelts on

I am sure that many elderly drivers would give up driving if there were a viable alternative.

One of the main problems with elderly drivers is that they are usually competent on a familiar drive (like going to the shops). The problems arrive when they encounter something out of the ordinary or try to drive to an unfamiliar location :(

Daisy

I do admit to going over the speed limit - a bit - on the motorways, if I am driving at night fully refreshed, with a clear road.  However, I only have to see the tail lights of the car in front to drop to the limit.

Bearing in mind my advancing years :rolleyes: - I am 63 after all - I'm only too aware that my driving time is coming (slowly, I hope) to an end - maybe I've got another 10 years of safe driving, hopefully even another 15.   But then it will have to stop.   Unfortunately, unless there is a change in public transport policies, we then will be restricted to a smaller and smallre world :(

I don't think I want to grow up...yet...!

I don't think programmes like Top Gear help much - they seem to just glamourise speed and everything to do with it.

Lindsay
x

Top Gear informs us of new cars, good and bad. Road tests are carried out to let us know how cars handle. They never tell people to break the law. The fast cars etc are only shown being used on race tracks and disused airfields. I don't think anybody would watch Top Gear and then rush out to do 100mph just because they'd seen it on tv.

Not disagreeing with you -however each time I turn it on I seem to hear "speed speed speed" so I do still think speed is glamourised in Top Gear. A safe car that only went up to say 70mph would get sniggered at on there!  

Lindsay
x

Margot - when I say elderly I mean at least 75+ :D :D Not 63 :D

OH's father went to a meeting at Ongar (from Bishop's Stortford) many years ago (when he was around 80). Got there OK, but got lost when he left. Realised that he was lost when he got to Chelmsford - instead of ringing us for directions (we had bought him a mobile), he tried to find his own way home and ended up getting home via East Ham !!! Took him three hours :( :(

Daisy

I know Daisy :D - but all too soon, 63 becomes 78 - and I don't want to be the daft old bat banging along doing 20 -oh-so-carefully in the 50 mph lane or - heaven forfend:rolleyes: zooming along at 80 !  Adrian's dad moved to this area, age 73, looked at the speed of the traffic (he'd driven quite happily around the Bristol area for the previous 6 0r 7 years) and said - "that's it - you (meaning me) had better learn to drive pdq - because I'm not driving any more!"  At least he appreciated the fact that the traffic was too fast for him in this area!

Like Lucy, I do get vvvvv angry when people don't wear seatbelts - this happened just last week :-

"A YOUNG woman from Thurrock died in a horrific early morning crash on the A13. on Monday.

*********, from Stifford Road, Aveley, was killed after the black Ford Ka convertible she was driving flipped over on the London-bound carriageway, about half a mile east of the A1012 Grays junction.

Miss *****, 20, was thrown from the car before ending up underneath it. Despite the efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Horndon-on-the-Hill man, 21, who was also travelling in the Ka suffered severe shock and chest injuries.

Mark Westron, East of England Ambulance Service incident support unit manager, said: "The woman driving was ejected from the car and was then hit by it. She suffered multiple injuries, but sadly there was nothing that ambulance crews could do to save her.

"The front seat passenger managed to get out of the overturned car by the time crews arrived on scene.

"He had suffered potentially serious chest injuries and was deeply shaken. He was taken to Basildon Hospital for further assessment and treatment."

Grays firefighters later attended the scene to lift the car off the woman's body.

What a waste of a life!

Margot

I find anybody saying that they are 'safe' driving very worrying :( We had an incident at the end of my road some years ago - a young local man was driving down the main road to work on his motorbike - not speeding, but travelling at the limit (single carriageway). Opposite the end of our road is a hotel and a man was turning right out of the hotel onto the main road. He didn't see the motorbike coming towards him down the straight road to his right. The bike hit the driver's door, killing them both instantly (not like in a current TV road safety advert where the driver is totally unharmed :( ). We (I and two youngish children) drove past just after it happened, just before they closed the road to recover the bodies and vehicles :( No-one is 'safe' in a car :( The motorcyclist no doubt thought that he was safe driving at the speed limit down a straight road :(

Daisy