VIC Speeding Fines - Should I Push for a Court Hearing?

[NickT]

Hi All,

Hope someone on here can give me some pointers.

Fine:

Detected at 100kmh in a 90kmh zone. 1 demerit point, $190 from a fixed speed camera, Monash Freeway Melbourne, near High Street Road.

This is a stretch of road I drive a lot. Over 100 times per year, easily. 100kmh is the normal limit.

This night had fine weather conditions and no traffic issues, as such I was not expecting any change in speed limit, but for reasons I have not been able to find, the variable limit was reduced to 90kmh.

The 40kmh for roadwork is very reasonable but I cant think of any reason to drop to 90kmh?

I requested an internal review which was rejected and did not address any of my concerns and just referenced previous similar offences.

Previous offenses - 15 year period with approx 5 speeding fines, 4 of which were 1 point. Not ideal but definitely not anywhere near suspension territory.

Should I push for court hearing? If so, what would be the main defense?

 

[Adam1user]

Hi All,
Hope someone on here can give me some pointers.

Fine:
Detected at 100kmh in a 90kmh zone. 1 demerit point, $190.
Fixed speed camera, Monash Freeway Melbourne, near high street road.

This is a stretch of road I drive a lot. Over 100 times per year, easily. 100kmh is the normal limit.

This night had fine weather conditions and no traffic issues, as such I was not expecting any change in speed limit, but for reasons I have not been able to find, the variable limit was reduced to 90kmh.

The 40kmh for roadwork is very reasonable but I cant think of any reason to drop to 90kmh?

I requested an internal review which was rejected and did not address any of my concerns and just referenced previous similar offences.

Previous offenses - 15 year period with approx 5 speeding fines, 4 of which were 1 point. Not ideal but definitely not anywhere near suspension territory.

Should I push for court hearing? If so what would be the main defense?

NT

Hi,

I don't recommend that you push for court hearing as the infringement will stand and you will pay the court fees in addition (if applicable at your state), speeding and red light offences are serious offences and the magistrates will not back down unless you have a very good reason, for example: in speeding: if you are taking someone to hospital (as an example) and you will need proof to it, not just stating so (this is my understanding).

If you drove on that section of road for many times and the speed limit was changed, then it is the driver's responsibility is to be careful, standing in front of the magistrate and stating you are not aware about it, will give indication that you are not careful.

So I think it is better to pay it and live and learn! Sorry, I don't see a way out.

 

[Clancy]

I have seen the variable speed and speed camera combination becoming more prevalent these days. I suppose the logic is that it is a way of tricking more motorists into getting fined, and thus, they got you, ha ha, now pay the fine, no way out.