Speeding tickets from across the water.

[A S R]

Got back from Slovakia and Hungary in August, had to have a Go Box rather than an e-vignette as over 3.5t. 4 weeks ago got a demand from EPC Plc who deal with foreign breaches in this country showing two pictures of our numberplate in Hungary, stating had no e-vignette - fine was £214 for each photo.

Had to pay the fine before appealing - have told them we didn't need an e-vignette (not even allowed one) and sent them photos of my receipts for the Go Box. 4 weeks have passed, heard nothing so phoned to be told that it is 6 weeks before I can expect a response whilst being £428 out of pocket.

If fine wasn't;t paid with I think 14 days it rises to £600 each ticket.

Feeling fleeced.

So you paid a fine for something you didn’t do? And you have to appeal it to get your money back? Yeah, righty ho. I’m sure I would too!

 

[HelixA5]

My worry is not so much being tracked down and given a fine - it's how that impacts my UK licence/Insurance renewal - Should I treat a Euro speeding ticket like a parking ticket and keep quiet or do I tell insurance company and look to an insurance increase?

What have others done?

 

[Phill D]

My worry is not so much being tracked down and given a fine - it's how that impacts my UK licence/Insurance renewal - Should I treat a Euro speeding ticket like a parking ticket and keep quiet or do I tell insurance company and look to an insurance increase?

What have others done?

It does not affect your uk license so non reportable IMO

 

[Bessy765]

Simples no speed no ticket!!

 

[Dorwyn]

Simples no speed no ticket!!

If only twere that simples.

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[dunnah01]

If only twere that simples.

Tis

 

[ukfetchfan]

In Switzerland this summer we parked our car in a bay and paid the €1 required and displayed the ticket. ( it was a machine where you had to enter your registration number). On returning to the car we found a piece of thick paper under the windscreen wiper, which we initially thought was some sort of scam, as we had paid the correct fee. However, we took the ticket back to the RV and after Googling discovered it was genuine. Two days later I rung the local Police and queried why we had received the ticket. They explained that our registration number had been entered incorrectly. I then explained that I had entered it correctly, but that their patrolling systems didn’t recognise our numbers 1 and 0 and had read them as letters I and O. He agreed this was the problem and cancelled the ticket. (We took his name for future reference!). However, he went on to say that a letter was in the post to us already.

Sure enough, when we got home there was their letter. Clearly they had got our details from DVLA - but you wonder how if they were confusing the I’s and O’s. Our thought was if they had finally worked out the I’s and O’s and realised their mistake then why not cancel the ticket there and then and not bother writing. Strange!

But the bottom line is they do have access to DVLA details.

 

[ceejayt]

The Go box is used in Austria not Hungary !

The Go box is used in Austria for vehicles over 3.5 t and the box used in Hungary. Is called HU-Go OBU Could be why you received the tickets ?

That is not correct - Slovakia and Hungary have their own version of the GoBox - I to mine as I entered Slovakia at the border and was asked about Hungary when I put money on it

 

[triky]

I did too ,but they still fined me via Registration !!

 

[ceejayt]

This is the link for Czech Republic GoBox - which I meant - not Slovakia

GoBox

Looking again now I am left unsure as to whether it works for Hungary but I was told it did but now think I have misunderstood and should have had a different box again fro Hungary

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[thegronows]

It does have a pretty small, what looks like a scannable QR code, which I guess can only be scanned/read at close range (presumably by an official on foot (?)). If it’s not raining in the morning (who knows in s Wales! ), I might venture out onto the drive and try and scan it with my iPhone and update post if it links to more info than (just) the printed reg. no.

After a huge overnight downpour finally ventured out and tried a popular and reputable iOS barcode/QR to try an scan the “QR” code built into the Crit’Air badge. The scan returned a c.100 character sequential alphanumeric data string, which whilst displayed on the screen, the app said it was in a special (proprietary?) format that could not be read/interpreted (just as well, because thinking about it if there is any personal data held, that any passer-by could access that would be a GDPR issue at least I guess!). Just spent a minute or two with my V5C alongside and within the string I can see make and model of van, reg no., vin no., engine number. Two-thirds of the string I couldn’t interpret and hopefully is securely accessible only by/to the relevant French authorities. Whilst somewhat reassuring it doesn’t answer whether the French authorities can enforce a fine back in the UK, like I suggested in my earlier post, technology increasingly makes this likely and therefore best to assume they can and regardless aim to stay the right side of the law and avoid any unnecessary stress/hassle.

 

[rangi]

B-i-L got picked up on State Highway 1 just north of Sydney, the fine was something like $A180 from memory.
He thought, as he was leaving, going back to NZ, he wouldn't pay.
Booked in at the airport in Sydney, got rid of his bags, went for a beer, 2 coppers found him, escorted him to an ATM,

HE PAID!


I came to the UK for Mums 80th, went to see Maureen's brother and family in Unston nr Chesterfield. Going back to Cornwall on the M5, had all valves bouncing, boot firmly pressed to the floor, got picked up!
Copper looked at my License, saw it was NZ told me to slow down, and wished me a good flight home!

 

[nicholsong]

This business of different boxes for different countries seemed to be getting simpler when charging systems for France, Spain, Portugal and Italy became available.

However, this simplification has now become more complicated since Poland introduced a system, not based on overhead gantry sensors but on GPS. This enables the government to charge for any roads, without having to install equipment, so it could be extended to all roads at all times.

I cannot see how the Polish system could be integrated with the gantry-based systems.

Has anyone got a GPS jamming system? Come in Mr. Putin?

Our 350km route to the German border near Goerlitz had a short toll distance which cost about £3.50, but is now chargeable for the whole length, about £40. Probably only do it twice a year -so it is cheaper than paying £160 VED in UK - none here, and no MOT for my now 'Vintage-registered' MH.

 

[Sapper520]

If he's in a hire car then the fine will go to the hire company as the authorities will have all the cars details. The hire company then pass back the drivers details, ie, your address. He will have agreed to this in the terms and conditions when hiring

Yep, I know. My point is they do chase foreign nationals for the fines.

 

[bilM]

Had to give Norway £350 for doing 70 in a 60 this year. Police hiding behind a bush on a road that was in the middle nowhere.

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[Minxy]

Had to give Norway £350 for doing 70 in a 60 this year. Police hiding behind a bush on a road that was in the middle nowhere.

Soooooo ... does that mean in the future you will stick to the speed limit in case a 'bush-swelling' copper nabs you again or because you shouldn't have been speeding in the first place?

 

[gus-lopez]

Couple months ago got flashed in France in the MH at least 6 times. No letters. Some on here suggested the camera was confusing our RV with a heavier vehicle.

Remember that they have 12 months if anything is sorted out.

As far as I can see, the only way to get an honest unladen weight is to go to a weighbridge with the fuel tank as near empty as possible, and no fresh water, tools, equipment (cables, hoses, etc) crockery, pans, cutlery, tables, chairs, etc on board. Anything that can be taken out should be removed. And make sure no one is in the cab when it's weighed. I can't see any manufacturer or converter giving a reliable figure sadly.

That would only get you the "Mass in Running order" weight .
Unladen is as it left the factory without a chassis if going for an alko conversion.

My worry is not so much being tracked down and given a fine - it's how that impacts my UK licence/Insurance renewal - Should I treat a Euro speeding ticket like a parking ticket and keep quiet or do I tell insurance company and look to an insurance increase?

What have others done?

Nothing to do with them

 

[bilM]

Soooooo ... does that mean in the future you will stick to the speed limit in case a 'bush-swelling' copper nabs you again or because you shouldn't have been speeding in the first place?

It's quite hard to stick to the speed limit when drinking coffee and eating a hot dog.

 

[The general]

Yes they do have a problem with poms , generalizing , but also any Aussie in a position of authority doesn't appreciate being challenged at all, better to butter them up dont try and fight the system ! A good bunch on the whole tho , JMHO

Yes you just go with the flow and pay ,no problem ??? I have travelled /explored extensively in Australia , and off ‘ piste ‘ mixed with the locals , and it doesn’t take much for them to start Pom bashing ! Now the kiwis completely different !

 

[The general]

Had this on my windscreen in Sweden all sorted when I got back to U.K. ,

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[Widge]

If only twere that simples.

It is, if you choose to drive in a country you accept that you have to repect the laws of that country. And accept the consequences of breaking them.
Not liking them, Believing they are stupid, Being ignorant of what they are or being ignorant of the specifications of your own vehicle, is not a valid defence in the uk or any other country. I am not saying that you have to comply, but don't bitch about it if you get caught breaking them.
I got flashed the other day, my fault i was breaking the speed limit, if I get a fine I will pay it.

 

[nobby]

Friend came from Germany last year and went through darford crossing there and back, 3 months later a request for £145? ( I think that was the amount) which he duly paid

I had my motorhome stolen and it was taken through the tunnel i had a dart tag and it bloody charged me just to rub it in

 

[Dorwyn]

d my motorhome stolen and it was taken through the tunnel i had a dart tag and it bloody charged me just to rub it in

To be fair, the worst part of that is having your van stolen! Fines you can just pay!

 

[georgio]

It always amazes me that we still stick with the unladen weight to dictate speed limits as very few people know the unladen weight of their vehicle, it's about time it was changed to max laden weight (regardless of load) then there'd be no ambiguity.

I'm assuming the unladen weight was used in the past for commercial vehicles so that once they were unladen and below the 3.05 tonnes, they could go faster to get back to their base for a bacon butty!

If a lorry weighs 8 tonnes unladen and the gross is 18 tonnes the driver knows how much to load on and how to pay or charge customers which why you get tare weights at weighbridge

 

[Minxy]

If a lorry weighs 8 tonnes unladen and the gross is 18 tonnes the driver knows how much to load on and how to pay or charge customers which why you get tare weights at weighbridge

That's a completely different thing though, I totally understand that for 'loads' but it doesn't make sense for deciding which speed limits you can travel at.

NB: I still prefer to think of it as being for them to be able to get home quicker for a bacon butty though!

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[jongood]

.

 

[TonyEmm]

It always amazes me that we still stick with the unladen weight to dictate speed limits as very few people know the unladen weight of their vehicle, it's about time it was changed to max laden weight (regardless of load) then there'd be no ambiguity.

I'm assuming the unladen weight was used in the past for commercial vehicles so that once they were unladen and below the 3.05 tonnes, they could go faster to get back to their base for a bacon butty!

I agree with you, it’s a farce!
I asked earlier how man6 folk know their unladen weight, well I have to admit that I don’t!
it’s not on the V5C or VIN plate, and I have it no documentation. I don’t see how the authorities would know, unless it’s on the DVLA database..

That said, as I also drive a white van, I stick to 50 on single carriageways and 60 on dual carriageways anyway….. Force of habit!!

incidentally,
while I was trying to find the info, I came across https://theorytest.org.uk/highway-code. One question there was “where do you find a vehicle’s unladen weight?” 4 options given, none were right! Their “preferred” answer was “on the side of the vehicle”.
I messaged them asking for an explanation, pointing out that in 3 MoHo’s and numerous vans, I’ve never seen it listed. I checked this morning and the question has now gone!!. Didn’t acknowledge me though…..

 

[TonyEmm]

That's a completely different thing though, I totally understand that for 'loads' but it doesn't make sense for deciding which speed limits you can travel at.

NB: I still prefer to think of it as being for them to be able to get home quicker for a bacon butty though!

I queried the ‘unladen weight’ issue with DVLA this morning. Their response (almost immediate in fairness), was that if it isn’t on the V5c (there is no facility for it on there), then to contact DVSA, which I’ve done.
The only assumption can be that DVLA don’t have a database of unladen weights!

Begs the question how a Motorhome owner would ever get nicked for exceeding the speed limit for a 3,050kg+ vehicle!

 

[Btg]

France Spain and Portugal dont have access to uk dvla since brexit opened Boris refused when they asked just spent 90 days in all three country’s 2 speed cameras no charge some tolls in Portugal no ticket still no charge been back two months now all good

 

[TonyEmm]

I queried the ‘unladen weight’ issue with DVLA this morning. Their response (almost immediate in fairness), was that if it isn’t on the V5c (there is no facility for it on there), then to contact DVSA, which I’ve done.
The only assumption can be that DVLA don’t have a database of unladen weights!

Begs the question how a Motorhome owner would ever get nicked for exceeding the speed limit for a 3,050kg+ vehicle!

I’ve had confirmation from DVSA this afternoon that they don’t have a database of unladen weights either! They specifically said that they only monitor HGV unladen weights and that motorhomes are not included.

it makes a farce of the speed limits!

Apparently, none of the authorities would know if your MoHo was over 3050kg unladen and therefore limited to 50/60 on single/dual carriageways!

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