Frequently Asked Questions
Why have I received a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) for a camera detected offence?
When a vehicle is detected exceeding the speed limit or contravening a red traffic light, the Law requires that where practically possible, the registered keeper is notified of the allegation and informed that they may be prosecuted. This is the reason you have received a NIP. The form that you have received warns you that you may be prosecuted and also includes a requirement to identify who was driving the vehicle. If you have been nominated as the driver at the time of the offence you will also receive this notice.
I was the driver of the vehicle, what must I do now?
If you were the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence AND you are the person to whom the correspondence is addressed, you can admit online by logging on and selecting the 'I was driving' option. Once submitted you no longer need to return the form
I was not the driver of the vehicle, what must I do now?
If you were not the driver at the time of the offence you will need to tell us who was. You can provide this information quickly and efficiently by using our online nomination tool. This is located on the above tabs. If you do not wish make use of this function you are also able to complete the reverse side and post back to the address listed.
I don't know who was driving, what should I do?
If you are the keeper of the vehicle you are required to give sufficient information to identify the driver. If you are not the keeper of the vehicle you are required to give any information which is in your power to give that may lead to the driver being identified. If for any reason you are unable to identify the driver you must still reply to the notice. You should give a full account of the circumstances that prevent you from providing the necessary information and you may need to attach additional documents to your response in support of your explanation.
What happens if I fail to provide the identity of the driver?
The request for information to identify the driver is made under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. If you fail to response to the request or fail to provide the necessary information without giving an acceptable explanation, it is likely that you will be prosecuted for failing to provide driver details. The penalty upon conviction for this offence is a fine and penalty points.
I don't know what my driver number is, where do I find it?
Your driver number is located on either your paper licence counterpart or photo-card and begins with the first 5 letters of your surname.
Driver Education Courses
An education course may be offered if the following criteria are met:
- You have not completed a similar course within the last 3 years or been offered a similar course for a separate offence which you are yet to book or attend.
- You have provided your driving licence number and date of birth on the returned notice.
- You were the driver of the vehicle and returned the completed Notice in sufficient time for a course to be completed within 4 and a half months of the date of offence*
* Due to timescales, no offers of a course will be issued after this time.
Can I have a copy of the photograph?
The Sussex Police Public Access website is available for you view online information about the allegation together with guidance notes about filling in this form.
To view the photographic evidence please login using the notice number and PIN code on your Notice of Intended Prosecution letter.
N.B. If you do not have a PIN number you will not be able to access this website.
The Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) arrived more than 14 days after the alleged offence. Is it still valid?
Please be aware that the first NIP will be sent to the person who is recorded at the DVLA as being the owner/keeper of the vehicle at the time of the offence. If your name an address have been obtained by other means or if you have been nominated as the driver, the NIP that you receive may well be delivered outside the 14 day limit but a prosecution is still lawful.
How do I know that the speed recorded is correct?
All devices used by Sussex Police are Home Office Type Approved, which the law presumes to be accurate. In addition, each device has a secondary method of corroborating the speed detected.
Can I have a copy of the calibration certificate?
We are not required to provide a copy of the calibration certificate as it is not a condition of Type Approval.
Why are there no 30mph speed limit signs in the area?
All roads with a system of regular street lighting have a limit of 30mph, unless signed otherwise. Repeated signs on these roads are only required if the speed limit is not 30mph.
I don't know what the speed limit is for my class of vehicle.
The 30mph limit applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
The National Speed Limit sign means 60mph on a single carriageway and 70mph on a dual carriageway for cars and motorcycles unless signs show otherwise.Mitigating Circumstances?
You can request to contest the matter at Court but the following (but not limited to) will not be accepted as mitigation. In certain circumstances e.g. high speed offences, you may be referred directly to Court. You may also incur additional Court costs.
- I did not know the road
- I did not see the signs
- I was not aware of camera enforcement in the area
- I was late or needed the toilet
- The road was clear/it was late night/early morning
- I have a clean driving licence
- I was following my Sat Nav
- It is my first offence
- The camera was faulty