Speeding Offences
From fixed penalties to disqualification — protect your licence.
Speeding is one of the most common motoring offences in England and Wales. For many drivers, a speeding allegation results in a fixed penalty notice and three penalty points. However, for excessive speeding, or where a driver already has points on their licence, the consequences can be far more serious — including court proceedings, a substantial fine calculated by reference to weekly income, and disqualification. BW Solicitors provides expert speeding defence to drivers across Ilford and London.
Important Notice
Speeding — The Penalties
The penalty for a speeding offence depends on the severity of the excess speed. The Sentencing Council's guidelines divide speeding into three bands, with increasing levels of fine and penalty points. The most serious band — where the speed is very substantially in excess of the limit — can result in disqualification. Where the court imposes penalty points rather than a ban, the number of points will depend on the band and the specific circumstances.
- Band A (minor excess): fine of 25–75% of relevant weekly income, 3 penalty points or 7–28 day disqualification
- Band B (moderate excess): fine of 75–125% of relevant weekly income, 4–6 penalty points or 7–56 day disqualification
- Band C (serious excess): fine of 125–175% of relevant weekly income, 6 penalty points or 7–56 day disqualification
- Aggravating factors: poor weather, road works, pedestrians nearby, previous convictions
- Mitigating factors: genuine emergency, good driving record, no accident caused
Challenging a Speeding Allegation
Speeding prosecutions are not always straightforward. Speed camera evidence must be obtained and disclosed, and our solicitors will scrutinise it carefully. There are specific procedural requirements — including the service of a valid Notice of Intended Prosecution within 14 days of the alleged offence — that must be complied with. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the prosecution failing. We will review every aspect of the prosecution's case to identify any available defence.
- Challenging the validity of the Notice of Intended Prosecution
- Challenging the accuracy and calibration of the speed detection device
- Challenging the identification of the driver
- Necessity — driving to prevent a greater harm
- Challenging the accuracy of the speed limit signs
Exceptional Hardship
Where a speeding conviction would result in twelve or more penalty points within three years — triggering a totting up disqualification — it may be possible to avoid the ban by arguing exceptional hardship. The court must be satisfied that a disqualification would cause exceptional hardship to the defendant or to others. Loss of employment is a relevant consideration, but the court will require compelling evidence. Our solicitors will prepare and present an exceptional hardship argument on your behalf.
Why Choose BW Solicitors?
Our motoring solicitors will review the prosecution evidence in your speeding case carefully, advise you honestly on your prospects and represent you effectively at court. Where a ban is a real risk, we will prepare the strongest possible exceptional hardship argument on your behalf. We serve clients across Ilford, East London and Greater London.