Driver refers to ‘medieval rights and customs’ in failed attempt to avoid a speeding conviction
By James Smith
27th Jun 2023 | Local News
A 28-year-old driver attempted to get out of a speeding charge by sending Warwickshire Police numerous documents quoting medieval laws and customs, and demands for millions of pounds.
Warwickshire Magistrates Court sentenced the man to six points on his licence, a £660 fine, £90 costs and £264 victim surcharge amounting to over £1,000 on 8 June 2023, for failing to give information relating to the identity of the driver in relation to a speeding offence.
The owner's vehicle was caught driving at 58mph in a 50mph limit through temporary road works on 30 December 2022.
He received a Notice of Intended Prosecution requiring him to confirm the identity of the driver.
However instead of doing this, he decided to send the documents sending the outdated rules, in an attempt to avoid his legal obligation.
Having done this, the man was no longer given the option of attending a speed awareness course, and was instead made to appear in court.
Insp Dave Valente of Warwickshire Police said: "Let me be clear, all drivers on UK roads are subject to the statutory requirements of the Road Traffic Act.
"This includes driving licences, vehicles being MOT'd, insured and taxed. It also means complying with the speed limit, and the consequences of failing to do so. Drivers who respond with extensive demands based on ancient medieval customs, will not evade prosecution.
"Our aim is to make our roads safer for everyone and that includes ensuring drivers comply with the speed limit. We would much prefer to educate and change behaviour first, and for drivers to attend a speed awareness course where eligible – you can do one every three years if the excess speed is within a threshold – but this driver gave us no choice and the case was sent to court.
"It is really sad that this driver is required to pay over £1,000 in various court costs, and received six points on his licence, when he was eligible for a speed awareness course outcome instead.
"Unfortunately this is not a one off case. We have noticed an increase in those who quote this type of material, to avoid the consequence of a speeding offence.
"This driver found out the hard way, trying to avoid a speeding prosecution could cost them a lot more, than responding in accordance with the Road Traffic Act."
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