A thought I had from reading the "poor hard done by motorist" speel - How was the van "obscured" if you got a fixed penalty? Surely it would not have been able to see you? As a 24 yr old man(?) people forever moan about us "boy racers". Thankfully in 7 years I havent had an accident or any points on my licence. Yes I sometimes exceed the speed limit and EVERYBODY has at sometime - that is a fact! I save money by always trying to be driving within the speed limits( I stick to them ALWAYS on a 30,40 or 50 limit road), (better fuel economy too!)I maintain a safe distance and OBSERVE what else is going on the road around me. Many other drivers annoy me - middle lane hoggers, the driver who sits right on my bumper to force me out of the way (safest thing for me to do is ease off in that situation to minimise the possible accident). If people were re-tested every few years I would hope that driving standards in Britain would improve and so with it the figures for road safety. I do not wish to presume, but were you too busy trying to get the car in front out of the way to continue your journey at excessive speed, that you were only looking as far ahead of you as the cars' number plate? Funny though - I passed on my second test and on both times I had two minor faults for observation - I dont think I'd suffer the same fault now as I didnt just see passing the test as a licence to do what I want "because I could". My colleagues laughed when I bought a Driving Standards Agency book last year to freshen up my driving skills! Its suprising how we pick up some bad habits. Driving is an earned privilege, not a right - The 12 point system may make you realise that soon when your right will be taken away. Take your fine, hopefully learn your lesson and be grateful that this is all you got, not a manslaughter charge for speeding and being involved in an accident. If your're numbers up..........so time to take my 'van and go back to Scotland - they drive much better in the Highlands!