Notice Of Intended Prosecution - I was 240 miles away **RESOLVED**

[Wickerman]

I've received a notice of intended prosecution from Surrey Police for doing 71 in a 60 zone in Puttenham, Surrey at 11.32. The problem is, I was 240 miles away decorating my daughter's bedroom, in York, with my dad. The car registration on the paperwork is mine. The car make (Seat) is correct.

 

I have evidence of where I was 2 hours later in the form of a debit card payment and receipt (we took our girls to The Chocolate Story in York - well worth a visit in case you're wondering).

 

I'm assuming that the reg has been entered manually, and incorrectly, and "the allegation is supported by means of photographic/recorded video evidence" according to the notice. So I'm confident it'll show a different car.

 

Not sure what to do though or how to go about dealing with this. Can anyone offer any advice please.

[patrickq1]

It might be possible you car has been cloned ask the police to investigate if you know you are sure

[Sidewinder]

Have they sent you a photo? This could be a clone, or more likely, as you say, that the VRM has been misread.

 

I would suggest that you phone them ASAP and explain that at the time your vehicle was in Yorkshire on that day, and that you can prove this as required. They should be able to look up the details and hopefully confirm that you shouldn't have received the NIP. If they are adamant that the details are correct, then the next step is to report that a clone of your car is driving around Surrey and respond to the NIP with a letter to explain that 1. It was not your vehicle and this can be proven, and 2. That you have reported the matter as appropriate.

[Wickerman]

Thanks for the advice. They didn't send a photo unfortunately. If it is a clone, do you know if I'd report this locally to North Yorkshire Police or to the Surrey lot?

[Sidewinder]

Local would be fine, but might also be wise to phone DVLA as well. Don't do it until you are sure that they recorded the number correctly though or it could get complicated.

[Wickerman]

Understood. Thanks again, and I'll keep the thread updated in case it's of any help to others.

[letsmakeamark]

You can always ask the police for a photo.

[Wickerman]

Just had a call from Surrey Police Camera people to say that they've reviewed the photo and that the reg plate was read incorrectly. Feel like a t**t for the panic, but when you see the police letterhead, your mouth just goes dry. Biggest relief is that it's not been cloned.

 

Thanks for all the advice.

[crem]

Feel like a t**t for the panic,

 

Shouldn't feel bad at all under those circumstances. the only person* that should feel like a t**t should be the guy who couldn't even read a number plate correctly off the photo.

 

*Should have gone to specsavers!

[toll9]

Yet another example of police not getting their facts straight. If I make a mistake it costs me money.

[Aretnap]

Shouldn't feel bad at all under those circumstances. the only person* that should feel like a t**t should be the guy who couldn't even read a number plate correctly off the photo.

 

*Should have gone to specsavers!

Guy? Of course the registration numbers are checked by a real person and not just left to OCR software... aren't they?

[ploddertom]

I've marked your thread as Resolved.

[stu007]

Hi

 

Great News

 

I think a Formal Complaint to Chief Inspector may be appropriate for being falsely accused due to Surrey Police Maladministration that they intended to proscecute you and CC letter to your Local MP and send them a copy of your letter.

Edited February 15, 2013 by stu007

[assisted blonde]

Why? mistakes do happen, human nature, I dont think formal complaints letters to MP are really necessary in this case as it has been sorted fairly rapidly

[renegadeimp]

A complaint still needs to be made so it doesnt happen again.