CHECK YOUR OFFENCE CODES!
20 May 2004 - Safe Speed

News is emerging than many drivers prosecuted for speed camera offences may have had their licences endorsed with the wrong offence code.

A normal speed limit offence, other than on a motorway, should be coded as SP30 on drivers'' licences, But it is clear that in a number of areas drivers have been given SP60 offence codes by mistake.

Paul Smith, Founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign commented: ''This is just typical of the shoddy and careless modern approach to road safety. 3 million so-called offences last year and they can''t even endorse drivers licences properly. No wonder the speed camera system is hated by the motoring public. The degree of incompetence behind it at all levels is quite staggering''.

The DVLA lists speed limit offence codes as follows:

Speed Limits

SP10 Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits
SP20 Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles)
SP30 Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road
SP40 Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit
SP50 Exceeding speed limit on a motorway
SP60 Undefined speed limit offence..........

Paul continues: ''The problem is that SP60 should normally only be issued when other offence codes do not apply - for example at a temporary speed limit at road works.''

''Having an endorsement will often increase the cost of motor insurance'' explained Paul, ''but the problem here is that SP60 premium increases are frequently greater than SP30 premium increases. I recommend that everyone check their driving licence and ensure that they have been issued with the correct offence code. Anyone whose offence is wrongly coded may be entitled to compensation, and they should certainly get any error corrected.''

www.safespeed.org.uk

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