Originally Posted by timrud

I'll do a bit of explaining as ambiguity of some terms is causing a bit of confusion.

The reason why they have to send a NIP out is because it acts as a caution for the offence. For speeding you have to be cautioned within 14 days for proceedings to be lawful. If the officer stops you on the road for speeding he cautions you when doing his paperwork. A camera cannot do this.

The NIP does not have to be recieved by you in 14 days. The police have to send the first NIP out in that time frame. They have some nifty system to keep track of this. If your the registered keeper then you will recieve it within 14 days. However if it is a rental car, or your not the registered keeper then it will take longer.

The case must have its first hearing at the Magistrates Court within six months or it becomes staute barred. Mike is right that when its an accident it can rise to twelve months. This is because speeding is a summary only offence, where as due care and dangerous driving (what your going to get charged with after an accident) are both either way offences (can be heard at Magistrates or Crown Court).

Anything else just ask