3. 47 in a 40 mph zone in South Wales
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47 in a 40 mph zone in South Wales
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Alleged 47 in a 40mph zone by speed camera in South Wales advice

Hi
I'm a long time driver but relatively new to the UK. I have 25 years driving experience overseas and 1.5 years in the UK.

I've clocked around 5000miles in south Wales over the past 8 months mostly between West Wales and Cardiff.

I've never had any prior offenses and I usually drive pretty cautiously.

I checked my mailbox today to find a notice of intended prosecution that I have gone 47 in a 40mile zone very close to where I live. I usually drive this route all the time but I remember momentarily going up to 46 and then slowing down the moment I realized. I was trying to get out of the way of another driver who I thought was getting uncomfortably close to me.

I plan to fill this out and return it tomorrow.
As this is my first instance is it likely that I get a fine and driving course?

My main question... Is there any point where I get to respond to give context of what happened? Specifically that it was few moments and not me running constantly over the limit for an extended period of time?
Is it worth adding in just those two lines on a separate form or do I just not get the opportunity? As I don't see this explained anywhere on the form.
Would they know it's my first offence in the UK as well? Or do I have to mention this somewhere?

Also the road is a 3 lane dual carriageway with a pavement separating the opposite 3 lanes

Thanks for the advice and best regards
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Re: 47 in a 40 mph zone in South Wales
« Reply #1 on: »
You should be offered a course, as long as you haven't done one in the last 3 years.
It will cost around £100, but there won't be any penalty points.

There is no point in giving any context, as it won't make any difference to the outcome.
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Re: 47 in a 40 mph zone in South Wales
« Reply #2 on: »
As above.

In any event, nothing you have told us suggests any defence or reason for mitigation.
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Re: 47 in a 40 mph zone in South Wales
« Reply #3 on: »
You're in the sausage machine and will be processed routinely unless you start sticking your head above the parapet.

It doesn't matter if you did 47mph for a second or a minute.
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Re: 47 in a 40 mph zone in South Wales
« Reply #4 on: »
In essence you were over the acceptable limit full stop. Exceptional circumstances does not cut the mustard. If you had been doing 44 mph you might possibly got away with it. There is a tolerance, but once it is provide to you as COFP you are pretty much screwed. Sorry you have to swallow the sweet bitter pill and pay up, unfortunately the reasons why you committed and you exemplary previous driving doesn't come into it. Sorry.

There is this perception and belief that you are okay if it is 10% +2 mph over any limit. However, there is this possibility of some escape. Unfortunately, if once you are charged for 1 mph over the limit, you are pretty much done. Unless you want to fight the accuracy and competency of the police officer and his equipment

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Re: 47 in a 40 mph zone in South Wales
« Reply #5 on: »
Many years ago, 10% +2mph was the effective limit - people were only prosecuted for exceeding this threshold. IIRC at pretty much the same time that the previous government brought in hypothecation (the police receiving the revenue from the fixed penalties), some bright spark realised that the guidelines allowed for enforcement at the threshold - so driving at 10% +2 over the limit is asking for trouble, whereas 10% +1mph is generally fine, as long as you don't slip up, or the camera over-read by 1mph, etc.
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