A UK drivers’ club has been formed to protect millions of motorists from losing their licences as a result of being caught in speed traps.
It is estimated that more than seven and a half million motorists have been caught, which is a quarter of all drivers on UK roads, and more than one million motorists are currently just a single conviction away from losing their licence, which often results in them losing their job.
The UK now has more speed cameras than any other country in the world and this is set to increase dramatically with the introduction of high-tech devices which can identify a vehicle’s occupants using digital technology.
An average of £100 million a year has been raised since 2004 by the cameras, which television presenter and former rally champion Penny Mallory dismisses as money-making machines.
Endorsing the creation of the Drivers’ Club, she says: “Speed cameras are little more than money-making machines and it is not just our wallets that are under attack. Many people’s livelihoods are at stake. The Drivers’ Club is one of the best innovations to help motorists I have seen in recent years.”
It combines legal representation in the event of a speed camera offence with an insurance policy to provide cover in the event of the loss of a driving licence through the totting-up process. Membership is open to all drivers over the age of 18 years who have held a driving licence for two years even if they already have 11 points with a conviction pending.
Drivers’ Club membership secretary Matthew Selman, says: “We do not condone dangerous driving or speeding but millions of otherwise law-abiding drivers now have points on their licences and have forked out £60 a time in fines for inadvertently exceeding speed limits.Speed cameras have done little or nothing for road safety while the speed camera makers and the Exchequer have done very nicely. If you feel that motorists are being indiscriminately penalised then the Drivers’ Club is for you.”
Standard membership costs £5.85 a month and pays out £600 on the loss of a licence through totting-up. Gold membership is £8.95 a month and provides £500 a month for up to six months. Platinum membership costs £11.95 a month and increases the payout to £1,000 a month for a maximum of six months. Black membership is £14.95 a month and will pay out £1,500 a month for up to six months.
Members get:
Legal representation to defend against speed camera offences. The Club will appoint and pay for a solicitor and says it would expect the member to avoid points on their licence without a fine.
Insurance against loss of driving licence through the totting-up process with cash payments.
Lost key insurance to provide up to £1,500 worth of cover. A 24-hour helpline will arrange for a locksmith, a replacement car, taxi and replacement keys.
Personal accident insurance with £10,000 cover.
