re Hand Radared in London at 47 in 30mph, I am RK of car in UK - but a non resident and have non EU licence
Hi, I am, now, non resident in UK but keep a flat and old car in London.
I drive on a non EU licence that I got by surrendering my UK licence to DVLA.
The police man checked car details and asked if that was my address. Well, I said yes but I have two addresses one overseas as well.
He wrote the London address on on the ticket. (my mistake not getting overseas on ticket!)
I took all correct paperwork to police station within 7 days.
They did not 'take' my foreign licence.
I faxed saying that I was 'confused' as ticket said I could only pay fixed penalty if I surrendered UK licence which I do not have and that the ticket had my 'wrong' address as a driver.
They faxed back saying my options 1. pay fixed penalty or 'request a court hearing' .
Seems the Met police, dealing with the ticket have not liaised with my local police and so assume I am regular UK licence holder (as even though UK licence is 'cancelled and exchanged' it still appears probably as a sort of ghost on with DVLA).
I phoned Met police pointing out their error as I have no physical UK licence. Sort of hoping somehow with the confusion with addresses etc the whole thing may get lost in the system. They said that as the fixed penalty now 'not an option' and that I should 'request a court hearing'. She said it would take six months to get to court.Incidentally once she realised they did not have the correct details she went from being friendly to v officious and said she could not help anymore!
I requested any notifications be sent to my overseas address.
My questions are please, (as I see no obvious grounds to contest the radar reading);
Why would I 'volunteer' a court hearing? Is there a benefit?If I do not what happens next?
Is there a time limit for them to issue a summons?
Given the confusion what is the likely it will get dropped/lapsed?
What is likely outcome
1. If I request court and admit guilt?
2. Or just forget it all and hope it fades away and it does?
3. Or it goes to court in my absence?
4. What best to do?
I much appreciate any you have comments as the Met police gave me an extra 9 days to -
'request a court hearing'. Thanks in advance