First off, thanks for running this site. Helpful to learn from others.
On August 15, I was caught driving 26 MPH in a 20 MPH speed limit. Received NIP in early September. Charges were contrary sections 84 and 89(1) of RTRA 1984, and Schedule 2 of RTOA 1988.
Completed sections 1, 2, and 5 of NIP and returned to CPS by mail. Provided driving licence details. Licence was a standard UK one, issued by DVLA, so did not send licence or copy as instructed in NIP. Paid fine online (acdp.met.police.uk). Didn't hear anything so assumed that was sorted and should drive more responsibly.
Now have received SJPN, five months after the incident. Witness statement from Police Staff in SJP says that COFP was sent in late September. It acknowledges Fixed Penalty was paid but that I failed to provide licence details for electronic endorsement. And it claims a refund was requested (although no refund has been granted, which may have allowed me to catch this earlier). A copy of the NIP that I sent to them for the offence (including my licence) has been sent back to me with the SJP. The case is no longer able to be viewed on acdp.met.police.uk to track my history.
I have just under three weeks to respond. Obviously am guilty of speeding but am concerned how it got this far, and that I may also get costs/surcharge/higher fine as a result. The gaps between NIP and SJP appears to be not infrequent of late, judging by other similar posts on this forum (or even
for members of the press).
I have a number of questions I hope might be simple for someone more learned to answer:
- Where could I have failed to provide licence details?
- Would it not have been enough if they were provided and accepted in the NIP response, and presumably as part of Fixed Penalty payment?
- Assuming it's a clerking error, there's nevertheless presumably no way to get this case sent back to Processing, that I have no choice but to continue with the SJP for and magistrate's ruling?
- I should obviously admit guilt, and should reference in the mitigating circumstances the above context without appearing entitled or unwilling to accept blame (despite my confusion in how it wasn't concluded with the COFP)?
- Is there a courteous way to request sentencing at the fixed penalty level since it should never have got this far, that I did all in my power to reply swiftly and pay swiftly and take responsibility swiftly? Or would pointing this out also be entitled or inappropriate?
Thank you in advance.
