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Are Drivers Speeding during Lockdown?

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Are speeding drivers flouting the law during lockdown?

With less people travelling to work following government advice to stay alert and stay at home where you can, it would be reasonable to expect a significant fall in the number of driving offences such as speeding.

However, Police report that the empty roads have led to some drivers taking the opportunity of putting their foot down and in some cases using the roads like a race track.

Are our empty roads being used as race tracks during lockdown?

Police report that they are concerned about drivers not only taking unnecessary journeys but ignoring the speed limits on emptier roads. There have been reports of drivers exceeding the speed limit by 50% with high speeds recorded on dual carriageways and motorways.

Police are concerned that road traffic accidents will place additional strain on the emergency services at this time.

Is there more speeding in Leicestershire?

Yes Leicestershire is one of the countys which reported an increase in speeding offences.

Although the world has changed the speeding laws remain the same and Police in Leicestershire are continuing to prosecute speeding drivers.

Can I still be prosecuted for driving offences during lockdown?

In a word, yes! You will still face legal proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic if found to be breaking the speed limit. Cameras remain operational and Leicestershire Police are cracking down on this offending. The penalties a driver will face as a result of speeding varying according to several factors.

What will happen if caught speeding?

Speeding offences can often be dealt with by way of fixed penalties, however, if the speed is excessive, the matter cannot be dealt with in that way. The higher the speed, the more chance there will be of a ban being imposed instead of penalty points.

The highest ban for a single speeding offence is usually 56 days. The highest number of points that can be imposed is 6.

What is excessive speed?

If you are found to have driven more than 30mph above the speed limit then the Court will consider whether you should be banned. If you have exceptional circumstances which might persuade the Court not to impose a ban then you should ensure you get expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

How many points can I have on my licence before I get a ban?

Once 12 penalty points are accumulated on a driving licence you will be disqualified from driving for six months.

Can I avoid a ban if I have 12 point on my licence?

You may be able to avoid a ban if there are special circumstances which persuade the court not to impose a ban or impose a ban for a shorter period. This is known as exceptional hardship and if you think you may have an exceptional hardship argument you should seek expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

What if a new driver has been caught speeding?

If 6 penalty points are imposed on your driving licence within the first two years of having passed your full driving test then the DVLA will automatically revoke your licence to the extent that you will have to re-sit both the theory and practical elements of the driving test before you can drive again.

How we can help?

It is important to you seek expect advice, whether it be to consider the legitimacy of the prosecution or consider how to best present your case to try to avoid the worst possible outcome. Here at Johnson Astills our Criminal Defence Team are still available to deal with your case.

Johnson Astills are experts in criminal law, and are able to assist 24 hours of the day whether at the police station or at Court. 

To discuss any driving offences and how we may be able to assist you please contact our Criminal Defence Team at Johnson Astills at our Leicester Office on 0116 255 4855 or our Loughborough Office on 01509 610 312.