Big drive on to succeed (From Blackburn Citizen)

Big drive on to succeed

11:53am Monday 17th March 2008 in News By Ben Briggs

GOVERNMENT policy on speeding fines and mobile phone use behind the wheel is creating a "culture of confusion", according to one East Lancashire solicitor.

Oswaldtwistle's Martin Hammond is head of newly established law firm Driving Defences, an internet based company which aims to tackle the different issues arising from the fines and points system.

Currently operating from Bolton, but due to relocate to Blackburn, Martin, 33, runs the company with business partner Philip Trotter, 39, who lives in Stockport.

The pair previously worked for Burton Copeland in Manchester and decided to take the plunge and set up their own business.

Martin, who was born and raised in Accrington, said: "We want to provide a service for the man on the street.

"There's a misconception about many aspects of the law.

"For instance, if people are caught on their mobiles when they are stopped at traffic lights they end up going to court, pleading guilty and getting three points.

"A lot of people don't know the law. If the car isn't in gear and isn't moving then they don't have to plead guilty, these are the things we want to highlight."

And the pair claim that many people believe that only footballers and TV stars can afford to have legal advice when it comes to motoring convictions.

Martin added: "Too many motoring lawyers charge an arm and a leg simply to give you basic advice.

"We believe in free advice until you are in a position to decide on whether a case is worth defending or whether you just need a little help through the procedure."

Parking and speeding campaigner, Neil Herron, said the launch of Driving Defences was a sign that the public realised that local authorities had been banking on people's ignorance of the law in order to get away with fining them.