Wrongly given NIP? Options

[terzio]

Hi all,

I come to this forum in the hope that I can gain some advice on a recent issue I've had with a speeding ticket.

Last week, I was driving along a dual carriageway at 40mph, when I noted a police speed van at the side of the road. I thought nothing at the time - as I believed myself to be within the specified limit on said road.

Unfortunately, I received an NIP through the post three days later, informing me that I'd been caught speeding - doing 40 in a 30.

Having recoiled in surprise, I went back to check the road's speed limits. The dual carriageway in question begins as a 40 - and then turns into a 30 as it comes towards a roundabout. The issue I have is that from what I can recall, the particular part of the road that the van was positioned in (and where I have allegedly been caught) falls under the 40mph zone. Yet, I have still received a ticket.

Am I missing something here, or have the police made an error? Part of me feels that they wouldn't have sent a NIP if they weren't certain they could prosecute me - although I have little experience with this type of thing.

What would be the next best step? There is a number on the NIP which I'm planning on ringing; perhaps I could also send an email? Or is the only form of appeal the pursuit of a court hearing?

Thanks in advance for any advice.