A 60-year-old motorist has been stripped of his driving licence and ordered to pay a £220 fine after being caught speeding at 53mph on the M4 motorway. The incident occurred in June 2024, when a temporary 40mph speed restriction was in force on the M3 near Welford, Newbury. The driver, from New Barnet, was subsequently caught travelling at 50mph on the same stretch of road on August 9, 2024.
Court Proceedings and Penalties
At High Wycombe Magistrates' Court last month, the man was found guilty of two counts of exceeding a temporary speed limit. He received a 12-month driving ban and three penalty points on his licence. In addition to the £220 fine, he was ordered to pay £85 in court costs and an £88 victim surcharge.
Understanding Fixed Penalty Notices
The RAC explains that a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is an administrative alternative to prosecution before magistrates' court, typically including a fine and penalty points. Motorists issued an FPN on the spot or by post can accept guilt, pay the fine, and avoid court. However, challenging the notice leads to a court appearance.
FPNs were introduced in the 1950s for minor parking offences but expanded under the 1988 Road Traffic Act to cover a wider range of minor traffic violations. Today, they are used for various offences, including anti-social behaviour, littering, fly-tipping, and dog control.
Drivers are reminded to adhere to temporary speed limits on motorways, as penalties can be severe, including licence revocation and substantial fines.
