Speeding fine

[Skids]

If I'm right, in this country we are innocent until proven guilty. Why, then, is it up to me to prove that I wasn't driving my car when it was caught speeding by an automated camera? Guilt is automatically assumed and a fine is issued. One of the Rules of Law of the UK states: There can be no punishment unless a court decides there has been a breach of law. Which court looked at evidence to suggest that I was driving and doled out a punishment?

[bednobs]

i don't think what you are saying is right .. when you get a speeding fine, and a policeperson is present, you have been caught in the act, and therefore there is no presumption of innocence ... you did it nd they have proof. in the case of a speed camera, they send you a notice of intended prosecution, which you can either admit guilt to by filling it in or sending it back, or go to court over where the court will decide if there has been a breach of the law or not and then dole out the punishment. When you send it back you admit your guilt therefore there is no need for you to prove your innocence, or for them to prove your guilt

[bednobs]

as far as i can recall, the speeding intended prosecution came from a court, therefore it was that court that "considered the evodence" ie that the car was snapped AND i admitted it, and gave me the punishment

[dannydingbat]

Is it not right that you got a fixed penalty notice?. This says that you will not be prosecuted if, within a period of time, you pay the penalty. This does not take away your right to a trial but allows you a simplified procedure which will eventually cost you less if you feel you do not have a case for a defence. If you do, go to court and argue it.

[Pippa68]

I guess because it was your car..of course you must prove it wasn't you driving it.

What's the problem with that?

[diode dug]

I belive we still have the right to remain silent, and by informing the police you are informing them who was guilty. Last i heard this was being looked into as a human rights issue as we seem to have lost the right to remain silent with out a 1000 pound fine etc. its the police who have to prove your guilt not us to admit tell themwith the black mail of a fine. okay...i have been given 2 fines over 10 years and they were quire right and legal (my fault) its the human rights issue that wrong.

[Catso]

Similarly, drink-driving - effectively guilt is assumed unless proven otherwise.

There's info about the HR aspect & the case at www.pepipoo.com (last time I looked, anyway).