Got a Ticket?

SPEED AND RED-LIGHT DETECTION  -  YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

On this information sheet you will find the answer to a number of questions frequently asked by people who receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP). The Central Ticket Office will not enter into correspondence concerning any of the issues outlined below.

If you have a payment or licence query please contact the Fixed Penalty Office at Runcorn on telephone 0870 1626261

I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE OF INTENDED PROSECUTION - WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
You are obliged as the keeper/person to whom the notice is addressed to complete one section on the reverse of the form. If you were the driver and fully complete section 1 of the form in the allotted time, you will receive a Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty which will detail the options available to you.                                                                                                                                                                                      [back to top]

[WHAT HAPPENS IF I IGNORE THE NOTICE OF INTENDED PROSECUTION?
This process gives you the opportunity to resolve the matter without the need to involve the courts. Failure to respond may result in your case being passed to the courts for failing to provide the required information.
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WHAT IF I WASN'T DRIVING?
It is your responsibility as the keeper/person to whom the request was made to supply details to identify the driver at the time of the alleged offence. Failure to do so may result with you being summonsed to court for an offence.                                                                                [back to top]

WHAT IF I DON'T SIGN THE NOTICE?
In order for the matter to be dealt with by way of a fixed penalty notice your response must be signed. If your response is returned unsigned then you will be summonsed for failing to provide the required information.
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WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF I WISH TO DISPUTE THE ALLEGED OFFENCE?
The Central Ticket Office will not consider any mitigation concerning camera offences. If you wish to contest the alleged offence you may request a court hearing. This request must be made in writing and sent to the Central Ticket Office within the 28-day statutory time limit. 
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WHAT IF I GO TO COURT?
You have the right to challenge the offence in court. If found guilty, the magistrates will decide on the amount of the fine, number of penalty points and you may be ordered to pay court costs.
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CAN I HAVE A HIGHER FINE AND NO PENALTY POINTS?
No. If you are offered a Conditional Offer the penalty of £60.00 and 3 penalty points is set by the Government and is not negotiable.
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MY DRIVING LICENCE IS AT THE DVLA/HAS BEEN LOST/HAS BEEN STOLEN - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your licence is at the DVLA you should contact them to request its early return. If it has been lost or stolen you should contact the DVLA immediately for a replacement. You will need to produce a current driving licence whether the matter is dealt with as a fixed penalty or in court.
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THE ROAD WAS EMPTY AT THE TIME/THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE FASTER - WHY SHOULD I BE PROSECUTED?
Speed limits apply all of the time, day and night - not just when the roads are busy. The limits set are not only to protect motorists but also other road users e.g. pedestrians.
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HOW LONG WILL THE POINTS REMAIN ON MY LICENCE?
Penalty Points are valid for a period of three years, but cannot be removed from your licence until four years have elapsed

 WHO SETS THE SPEED LIMITS?
Depending on the class of road, speed limits are set by either the local council or Highways Agency - NOT the police.
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You may find the contact details on the  'links' page useful.