West Mercia Police - M5 to 4A Northbound (H) - 70 in a 60 variable zone

[Man in the middle]

Along with the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) you should find a "Request for driver's details." This is issued under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act. Providing you are "the person keeping the vehicle" you have a duty to respond to that request by providing the driver's details within the 28 days allowed. Failure to do so will see you charged with a more serious offence which, if you are convicted, will see a hefty fine, six points and an endorsement code (MS90) which will see your insurance premiums increase considerably for up to five years.

 

Before you respond to that you can ask for "photographs to help identify the driver." They usually supply them (but don't have to) and they rarely help identify the driver. But most variable speed limit cameras now take two photos at the same time - one of the vehicle and one of the gantry sign displaying the speed limit. When you get those it will confirm what speed limit was in place at the time. You should note that making your request does not stop the 28 day clock.

 

After responding you should be offered a course for that speed provided you have not done one for an offence which occurred in the three years prior to this one. If you are not eligible or don't fancy it, the alternative is a fixed penalty of £100 and three points.

 

I take it you were not  towing anything or driving a goods vehicle over 7.5 tonnes in weight.

[Man in the middle]

You asked what is the best thing to do. I've told you the only thing you can do. Have you done it yet? If you make your request the police usually provide a link for you to view the photographs, so it shouldn't take long. Let us know what you find out.

[Man in the middle]

The lesson here is do not follow satnav instructions regarding speed limits. There are temporary speed limits all over the  place apart from the variable ones on motorways, and in the main they are usually perfectly well signed. Satnavs can't usually help you with them - you have to look out of the window. In particular, variable speed limits on motorways are probably among the best signed anywhere. There are large illuminated signs on gantries at regular intervals which are clearly visible from a long distance.

 

Of course it's your call but I don't know why you don't ask for photographs. Although they don't  have to provide them they nearly always will. It will only take a phone call or an e-mail and it will satisfy your curiosity. In any case, make sure you respond to the request for driver's details in the time allowed. If your speed was 75mph or below you should be offered a course and if it was higher than that but up to 85mph you should be offered a fixed penalty (£100 and three points).

[Man in the middle]

Quote

I think it’s ok to point out how the world is changing & becoming more difficult on a day to day basis.

 

Not really. This is an advice forum, specifically for speeding and other motoring offences. It's not for tea and sympathy. There are plenty of other places where you can get that.

 

Anyway, that apart, since you seem intent on simply taking what's offered to you without discovering whether you have any angles to exploit, did they tell you what speed they allege you were travelling? You say you have decided to "pay the fine." As I mentioned, you may have the opportunity to take a course instead of paying a penalty or a fine, but that will depend on the speed alleged.