Can I challenge a motorway speeding fine If I think it's wrong?

I received an NIP for doing 67mph on the M1 at 3.30am at a gantry saying 50mph due to "congestion". I was slowing down but could see down hill ahead that all 4 lanes were clear of traffic. The next gantry showed a return to 70mph. As this seems a case of human error or computer glitch, do I have a case to contest? In addition further down the motorway the gantry was showing my exit lane was closed indicating traffic move to outside lane, however it was clearly open causing another vehicle to swerve from outside lane onto the exit at the last minute.

Asked on 9 October 2025 by chris

Answered by David Ross
The situation you have described is not uncommon and there can be delays or apparent inaccuracies between the reduced speed limits on smart motorways and the traffic conditions. However, in the eyes of the law the speed limit at the time and place was 50mph. You can read more about how to appeal a speeding fine here - www.honestjohn.co.uk/advice/driving-advice/speedin.../ - but we would suggest weighing up the likelihood of success against the potential greater penalties if you decide to challenge the fine and are found guilty.
Similar questions
Can I challenge a speeding ticket issued from a handheld camera on a bridge over the dual carriageway I was travelling on? I was doing in the region of 53mph on my speedometer in a 50 mph area. I believe...
I got flashed by a speed camera on a motorway gantry even though there was no speed limit displayed. If I receive a ticket can I opt for a speed awareness course and if so will I still get penalty points?...
I genuinely can't remember making a trip up a certain dual carriageway one morning in April 2017 when my car was photographed by a police camera travelling at 38mph. I have requested photographic evidence...