Safe Speed Forums

'Speeding' MP is fined £160 Jul 26 2005

Exclusive By Jane Tyler, Evening Mail


A BIRMINGHAM MP has been fined £160 for failing to pay up after his car was caught on a speed camera.

The vehicle belonging to Labour's Roger Godsiff, who represents Small Heath and Sparkbrook, was snapped doing 51mph in a 40mph city street.

But after receiving the summons he did not tell police who was driving the car at the time, saying it had slipped his mind during the "pressures of the General Election".

Mr Godsiff, aged 59, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court yesterday to failing to provide information about the identity of a driver.

The court heard how the offence came just months after the politician had got his licence back after a driving ban for previous motoring offences.

Magistrates were told Mr Godsiff's V-registration BMW was caught on a speed camera on the A45 Coventry Road, near Birmingham International Airport, just after 10pm on March 27.

He was not present at court but was represented by his solicitor Keith Bright, who said his client had written to police requesting a copy of the speed camera photograph.

"He wasn't sure where he was and then the General Election was called," Mr Bright said.

"Events overtook him with many calls on his time.

"He did not get round to seeing who was driving his car at the time because there are three people who can drive his car.

"With hindsight he could have exercised more diligence and put it to the top of his list of priorities."

Mr Bright revealed that in March 2004, Mr Godsiff was disqualified for six months and fined £175 for being a "totter" - having 12 points on his licence. Magistrates fined Mr Godsiff £160, knocking off £80 from the normal £240 penalty for his early guilty plea, and endorsed his newly-clean licence with three points.

He was also ordered to pay £30 costs.

Mr Bright said his client was " financially sound" and would be able to pay the fine within 28 days.

Mr Godsiff could not be contacted for comment

Magistrates fined Mr Godsiff ... and endorsed his newly-clean licence with three points.

Seems a bit iffy when it's not crystal clear that he was the one who committed the driving offence.

Anyhow I wonder which way he will be voting when they have another shot at the road safety bill.