I was stopped by the Police for speeding. I explained that I desperately needed the toilet and I was simply trying to make progress so I could reach the services. The Police said my “excuse” was not good enough and it would be up to the Court to decide the appropriate punishment. Will the Court have sympathy in my case?

Known as the “Alex Ferguson” defence, this is an explanation that some Courts will accept as “special reasons”.  Whilst the offence is committed, if special reasons are established, no punishment will be imposed.  In order to be successful on this argument, you have to show that it was an emergency and the action you took in all the circumstances was reasonable. Consequently, rushing to a service station 1 mile away may be acceptable.  Speeding at 110 mph to get home 20 miles away, will not be.  Each case depends entirely on its own merits and to some degree, whether the Court believe your explanation.  It is a technical argument which would normally need specialist advice.