Evidence Police Need in a Speeding Offence Case
If you've been accused of speeding, the police must be able to prove it with reliable evidence. Whether your case involves a roadside stop, a fixed speed camera, or a handheld radar gun, understanding what proof is required can help you decide how to respond—and whether to challenge the offence.
What Evidence Do Police Use to Prove Speeding?
To secure a conviction for speeding, police must present evidence showing your speed and how it was measured. This typically includes:
- Speed reading from an approved device (e.g., speed camera, radar gun)
- Photographs or video footage showing the vehicle
- Calibration certificates proving the device was accurate
- Operator training records for manually used devices
- A written statement or incident report, especially if the case goes to court
How Do I Access the Evidence?
If you're stopped at the roadside, officers may show you the speed reading on the device immediately. If your offence was recorded by a camera, you'll likely receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP).
Once you've identified yourself as the driver, you can request access to evidence such as photos or calibration certificates. Some forces provide this through a secure online portal using a reference number from the NIP.
Do Police Have to Share Evidence Before Court?
Not always. Before a case reaches court, the police are under no strict obligation to provide evidence unless you plead not guilty or formally request a hearing. However, many forces voluntarily provide basic evidence upon request—especially photographs.
Can I Request Calibration or Training Certificates?
Yes. You can request these documents, particularly if you're considering disputing the accuracy of the speed reading. Some police forces publish calibration certificates on their websites. If the equipment used wasn't correctly maintained, this could potentially form part of your defence.
Is the Police Video Footage Available?
Not always by default, but you can request it—especially if you believe the image evidence is unclear or disputable. If another vehicle was nearby, or if the camera appears to have targeted the wrong car, a full video can help clarify what actually happened.
Will Asking for Evidence Affect My Penalty?
No. Simply requesting evidence does not lead to a harsher penalty. If the police delay or decline to share it, and you are later found guilty, the court should not penalise you for asking reasonable questions or exercising your right to review the case.
Should I Still Request Evidence If I Know I Was Speeding?
If you're certain the allegation is correct and you've been offered a Fixed Penalty Notice, requesting evidence may not help and could lead to a delay that invalidates the offer. However, in high-speed cases likely to go to court anyway, requesting evidence makes more sense—you've got little to lose and may uncover technical issues with the case.
How Can I Challenge the Accuracy of the Speed Reading?
To challenge a reading, you'll need specific reasons or evidence—simply saying your speedometer showed a lower speed is unlikely to succeed. In court, you may need to hire an expert to question the calibration, setup, or operation of the speed detection equipment.
What If I Don't Know Who Was Driving?
You can request the photograph to help identify the driver. However, the photo only needs to show the vehicle—not the person behind the wheel. It's your legal responsibility to identify the driver at the time of the offence.
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer to Review the Evidence?
Absolutely. A specialist motoring solicitor can spot issues the average driver may miss—such as improper signage, equipment faults, or procedural errors. This could make the difference between conviction and acquittal—or at the very least, a reduced sentence.
Need help reviewing your speeding case? Get in touch and we'll connect you with a motoring law expert.