Contest Speed fine SP30

[spurslass]

Hi

My daughter was recently caught doing 40mph in a 30mph recently on a B roads at 2330 hours. She has received the FPN today.
However, she was unare of the speed limit on the road due to there being no mandatory speed signs on the road until about 1km past where the offence occured.
I have gone back and taken a video of the whole road from about 2.5km before where the offence occured until 1km after it - NOT ONE SPEED SIGN.
I think there has been a lampost replacement programme in place and the signs have not yet been put back.
Does she have a case for pleading not guilty due to not know the ocrroect speed limit? She does not deny was travelling at 40mph.
Regards,
spurslass

[enquirer]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

How far apart were the lamposts? 200 yards or less apart is, unless indicated otherwise, a 30mph limit.

[wales01man]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

You can only challenge this in court the court may agree with you or may find you guilty band increase the fine add costs and increase points Its a gamble if you wish to take it on.

[des8]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

Presumably this was in a built up area, and as enquirer points out, where the default limit is 30mph the lamp posts themselves act as the signs and repeater signs are not allowed.

In the past I have found this site useful in navigating the complexities of road signage:
http://www.abd.org.uk/speed_limit_signs.htm

[spurslass]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

Hi, this is not particularly a built up road. Where the road signs do start (about 1km after offence site), it is 40mph.
I seem to remember that where this road starts from an A road roundabout junction, it was 40mph, but may reduce at some stage but without signage who knows where the restriction starts and finishes?

[des8]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

So we can get a better idea of the scene can you give us the location of the alleged offence?
Will then look on Google Earth

[spurslass]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

The offence took place on B3272 Hawley Lane GU17. Travelling SE-wards between traffic lights at junction with Fernhill Rd (where car had to halt for a red light) AND either Vicarage or Oakfield Road (she cannot remember precisely).
The first road sign travelling SE-wards from A30 roundabout is actually about 200m past Medlar Road, and this is 40mph. There are then signs on nearly every other lamp post of 40mph until the end of the road at A325 Farnborough Rd.
I don't want her to appeal if it will be a churlish adventure, particularly if she has to go to court which will be intimidating for her, only being 20. But I do think that if there is a restriction, this should be indicated. I guess that the school's prescence could mean that it may go down to 30-mph but it is not sign posted at the start of end of restriction.

Thanks for everyones help so far

[wales01man]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

It may be the case that the only way to appeal this FPN is to go to court the FPN should tell you how to appeal its unlikely the speed camera people will accept any appeals.

In short to be blunt its Pay or Court?

[des8]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

I've just travelled that road in both directions (on Google!!) and it seems that back in 2009 the Speed limit was 40mph all the way.

I think you'll have to retravel her route to see the limit signs further back.

If you want to contest this ticket the forum to seek help from is Pepipoo. The guys there specialise in all things to do with motoring law.

[mystery1]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

Contact the council and ask for a copy of the Traffic Regulation Order it may or may not transpire they have cocked up the change and that would appear to be the only defence.

M1

[spurslass]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

Thanks everyone. By the way, it was not a fixed camera, not sure if this makes any difference.

anyway, i will register on Pepipoo and ask the same to see what other opinions are.

[IsItRequired]

Re: Contest Speed fine SP30

Just G mapped it and the whole road Hawley Lane is 40mph unless road works and then they lower it to 30mph...and every road that comes off it is signed 30mph,all roads that come off it require a 30mph sign,my guess is because the speed limit changes from 40mph to 30mph,why else advise people with the signs.Like another said, you will have to go and see for yourselfs in case it has changed since google sent there street car down there.