NIP Speeding in Woodford - from MET Police - 23 days later, invalid? Options

[fairparking]

Hi all,

I have a business contract hire vehicle, through my business.

I received at my home a NIP letter re: speeding in Woodford, Essex (opposite the Horse and Well pub) for doing 35 mph. I actually think this is a 20 mph on the stretch in question (for a short passage) however on driving past again, I could not see signs for any speed limit (will check again shortly) so assume it is a 30 mph limit – the NIP does not state the speed limit.

I notice this NIP was dated 4th Dec and alleged offence was on 12th Nov which is 23 days later, is this now invalid due to time?

What is unusual to me - is such offences/violations usually go to the Owner (hire company) who automatically pay a fine etc and forward on info to me re points etc but on this occasion they have somehow obtained my business name and registered address (my home) and sent a letter there without my name on it - it is possible they contacted the lease hire company but my name is missing from the letter (only my business is present) so I think they didn’t.

I also notice this is the MET Police and not the local authority sending me the speeding letter, does that hold any significance?

There is also mention of me maybe being offered and education course instead of fine + points, is this likely to happen?

Please let me know your thoughts, thanks

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[BaggieBoy]

Almost certainly the initial NIP went to the hire company who will also be the registered keeper, so then they would have named you and hence your notice. As long as the first NIP to the RK was delivered within 14 days (you could ask them), there are no further time limits on subsequent notices. They quite clearly say on the notice that the speed limit was 30, read it again.

The MET sending speeding notices is perfectly normal within the London area, why would you think differently? Speeding is never handled by councils.

You need to name yourself if you were driving, and it's extremely likely you will get an offer of a course.

[fairparking]

Thanks I will check in with the hire company. I find it strange they would have merely relayed the business name and address and not the registered keeper (I assume I gain that status) as its solely for my use and the lease is with me (although perhaps it is 'with' the business).

OK thanks for the clarification for 30 mph, that is interesting as I am certain it was 20 mph limit there at one point and I assume they have now raised it to 30 mph.

This post has been edited by fairparking: Tue, 10 Dec 2019 - 20:46

[Jlc]

...usually go to the Owner (hire company) who automatically pay a fine

They can't settle a criminal offence - the driver needs identifying so points can be allocated if necessary.

OK thanks for the clarification for 30 mph, that is interesting as I am certain it was 20 mph limit there at one point and I assume they have now raised it to 30 mph.

If it was a 20mph limit then you'd be going to court...

[BaggieBoy]

Unless your name (or company) and address appears on the V5C you are not the RK, you are merely the keeper. I wouldn't query that you think it was a 20 MPH, just in case it is! 35 in 20 would see you in court and at least 4 points.