On Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:22:29 GMT, "Mrcheerful" wrote:

James wrote:
I wondered if anyone would like to offer advice on this.

I have accepted guilt in a fixed camera incident (speeding at 37 in a
30mph), however, I only did this after I recently received sufficient
evidence from the safety camera partnership (a picture of my
vehicle). I insisted on receiving this before accepting
responsibility because even though I knew it was 'probably' me who
committed the offence, as I knew I was driving in that general area
at the time of the offence, I was not totally sure I was there at
that time. I am also concerned that it is extremely easy to replicate
number plates, so I wanted to see a picture so I could identify
unique characteristics of my car.
It took 2 months to finally get evidence from the safety camera
partnership. They would only send the picture to me after I had sent
a picture to them first (!!), and a number of letters preceded this.
I have now accepted guilt, and want to take the option of a £60
'donation' and attendance at a 'speedchoice' workshop. This is a
workshop offered instead of 3 points being added to my license.
However, the safety camera partnership are saying that the offer of
attendance at the workshop instead of the points has been revoked, as
I did not admit guilt within 28 days.
In essence, I am arguing that it is grossly unfair that the
partnership has tried to pressurise me into admitting guilt to an
offence with a time limited inducement, without presenting with
sufficient facts to confirm culpability. They have deliberately
withheld information from me which could have helped me to confirm
that my car (and me as the driver) were responsible. Because they did
this, it was not possible for me to respond to the NIP within 28 days
as they stipulate, and therefore could not be eligible for a
'speedchoice' workshop instead of a fixed penalty.
Any comments / views? Is there any legal recourse I can take with
this? Does this in any way breech my human rights?!

Cheers

James

You were offered an inducement to quickly admit the offence, you did not
take up that offer, it is no longer available.

Excuse me, he admitted guilt immediately *on being provided with the evidence
requested* - a perfectly reasonable request. Perhaps his wife was also driving
in the same area that day, and he needed the photo to hopefully confirm who was
driving.

The 28 day clock starts when he sees the photo, IMHO - not when the NIP arrives.
That's only fair and just. If the camera operators are unable to get the photo
in a reasonable timeframe (shouldn't be hard - 'give us the NIP reference number
and your email address, Sir - you'll have it within the hour') that's their
problem, not his.

Mike
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