In Court Tommorrow

[bafoo]

..........Dreading it!!

I'll cut a long story short....I "shot" an automated level crossing a few months ago, only to find the British Transport Police sitting in wait the other side, I went through on an amber light, although the copper was adamant it was red. Now before everyone jumps on me, I know this was a bad move and I ain't proud of it but the copper told me if I had no points, that he would recommend a formal caution, subject to me admitting the offence.....which I did. Only yesterday, I recieved a court summons for tommorrow, do you think I may be seeing an increase in my insurance premiums?? or is it "soap on a rope" for me?

[DAVIDD88]

Sorry to hear this hope all goes well

[bafoo]

Thanks for the support.....I'm not a reckless driver....it was just a serious error of judgement, that I think I'm going to pay for, I was running round after my ill father in law, who was admitted to hospital later that day but I doubt that will wash in court!!
I can live with the fine .......its just the points that I'm worried about.

[Big Knox]

If you've already admitted it, I would concentrate on being remorseful in front of the judge and just be honest. Best bet is getting some respect from the judge and he might go easy on you.

[cossiejay]

your insurance is going to go up as they will look at the fact you ran a red light ,they take a dim view on this due to you putting others life in danger and as far as they are concerned you take life threatening risks

[bafoo]

Thanks Big Knox....thats exactly the route I intend to take. Good advice, cheers.

[Grumpy1954]

Thanks for the support.....I'm not a reckless driver....it was just a serious error of judgement, that I think I'm going to pay for, I was running round after my ill father in law, who was admitted to hospital later that day but I doubt that will wash in court!!
I can live with the fine .......its just the points that I'm worried about.

Tell them that, that you accept it was a bad mistake, but you didn't do it on purpose and were under a lot of pressure.
There's been so many bad accidents on crossings lately they will take it seriously, but given the circumstances, they may listen.

[m8internet]

You only received the summons on Saturday, to appear on Monday?!?
The minimum notice is 6 weeks for traffic offences
What date was it issued?
What is the actual charge?
Normally for such an offence it would be Section 3 RTA, Careless Driving

Given how high profile such offences are at the moment it is no surprise this has been accepted by the Crown for consideration and in the public interest

The officer would have to had to have seen the lights facing you, not the ones the officer could see
Quite often there is a time difference between them
However, during the amber phase you must be prepared to stop
Once the flashing red lights commence you MUST stop
If you were unable to stop, as the red lights had just commenced, then obviously the ones facing the officer will be red

The crossing may be covered by CCTV
You may be able to request a copy of the CCTV footage
Otherwise at court, if you want to proceed not guilty, request deferment to arrange disclosure and provide the prosecution with your list

[bafoo]

Grumpy, you're dead right, I know they take it seriously, its in a different league to jumping a red traffic light, so the copper told me. Fingers crossed eh, will report back tommorrow when judgement has been passed.

[Hideous]

should probably prepare yourself for quite a penalty for this.