< Go Back Are You Allowed to Speed in an Emergency in the UK? Motoring Solicitors Have Your answer Posted: Jul 27, 2021 Are you allowed to speed in an emergency in the UK? Motoring Solicitors have your answer UK speeding laws UK law is very clear when it comes to speed limits on the road. The set limits in place have been developed to promote optimum road safety and prevent accidents. It is important that you understand the set limits and how they apply to your type of vehicle, as the speed limits established differ depending on your type of vehicle.
For instance, the maximum authorised speed varies depending on whether you are driving a car, a motorhome, or a coach. It also depends on the size and weight of your vehicle, and what type of road you are driving on. You can refer to the Highway Code to obtain all the exact speed limits that apply to each variable.
This knowledge is important as you are not authorised to drive faster than the speed limit for your type of vehicle. Although the speed limit represents the maximum speed you can usually drive at, you should also use your common sense to reduce your speed in certain difficult road conditions such as bad weather.
When speeding is allowed Speeding is only allowed for the police, fire, and ambulance services to carry out the course of their emergency response duties. As the Highway Code and UK law currently stand, no one else is permitted to break the UK speed limits under any circumstances. Any other individual found to be breaking the speed limits imposed on UK roads will be liable for speeding fines and points on their driving license. Some individuals may even lose their driving license in severe cases of dangerous driving.
There is a good reason for this. Even though you may think speeding is necessary in the case of an emergency, you may worsen the situation by causing an accident. Speeding may also counteract your efforts to get to your destination faster as you are likely to be stopped by the police. It is essential to remember that those allowed to break the UK speed limits are qualified high-speed drivers that have followed vigorous training courses to break UK speed limits as safely as possible.
Representation can help mitigate the consequences If you are found guilty of speeding, motoring solicitors can help defend your case and mitigate the consequences of your offense. Even though you will be prosecuted due to the illegal nature of your speeding, the amount due in fines and the number of points added to your license can be minimised with the help of an expert motoring solicitor.
In certain cases, penalty points and driving disqualifications can be avoided in the light of special reasons such as ‘exceptional hardship’ and major detrimental effects on a person and their family’s well-being. However, alternative penalties will still be sought to impart consequences for the offense.
To find out more and see if you have a claim contact us at Fosse law.