Safe Speed Forums

A husband who was caught speeding while rushing his pregnant wife to hospital has had his fine quashed - after the Leicester Mercury highlighted his plight.

Chris Giles broke the legal speed limit as he drove wife Lisa - who was heavily into labour and screaming in pain - to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The Mercury reported earlier this week how Chris faced a £60 fine after officials refused to relax the rules given his circumstances.

Now, police chiefs have stepped in and scrapped the fine, as well as the three points Chris would have accumulated on his licence.

They have accepted Chris's situation is "an exceptional case".

Chris, 34, said he would have contested the fine through the courts, if officials had not backed down.

He said today: "It's excellent news.

"The safety camera partnership rang me and, fair play to them, they held their hands up and admitted they made a mistake.

"The man I spoke to said the case had been reviewed at the highest possible level by the police.

"He said the best thing they could do was correct their mistake straight away.

"We are very relieved. I'm glad I approached the Mercury and highlighted this. If I hadn't, I would have been sitting in a courtroom in a few weeks contesting the fine.

"That's what I would have done to make my point but it would have been pretty stressful. It's nice that for a change there has been a happy ending."

Chris was caught on Markfield Road, Groby, driving 11 mph over the 50 mph limit, as he drove Lisa to the LRI from their Coalville home, in April.

He said Lisa was in such an advanced stage of labour, he feared he would have to deliver the baby himself if he did not get to the hospital quickly.

Minutes after the couple arrived, baby Thomas was born, weighing 8lbs 2oz.

Lisa, 34, said: "I'm very pleased the fine has been over-ruled. It's just a shame it took a bit of publicity to make them change their minds."

The final decision has been made by Leicestershire Road Safety Camera Partnership, which comprises police, council officials and safety camera experts.

A spokeswoman said today: "Having taken the extenuating circumstances into consideration, we have decided to waive Mr Giles' offence on this occasion.

"This is an exceptional case. We would like to wish Mr Giles and his family the very best."

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Safety Camera Scheme earlier this week told the Mercury Chris would have to pay the fine or go to court.

A spokeswoman said today: "On this occasion, the police stepped in and reviewed the situation."

A spokeswoman said today: "Having taken the extenuating circumstances into consideration, we have decided to waive Mr Giles' offence on this occasion.

Jumped up !%&$!!!

Errr - No offence was committed, and she had no power to waive. What on earth are we going to do with these 'people'?

"We have every sympathy with Mr Giles's situation.

"However, we have to give due regard to the safety of all road users, and therefore are unable to overlook the matter.

"Under such circumstances, we have the use of the emergency services.

"Their staff are properly trained to handle the situation and are exempt from speed enforcement when called out to an emergency.

"Mr Giles has the option of accepting the standard penalty of a £60 fine and three points on his licence or he could take the matter to court."