The borough at the heart of national speed ticket scam...

Police believe one house has been used 140 times to help dangerous drivers make fines for speeding 'go away'

- NEAL KEELING

IT IS a terraced house in a small street. But it is suspected of being one of many in the area used for a scam which is operating nationwide.

Police believe the Oldham property has been used 140 times by criminals who are being paid hundreds of pounds by drivers to make speeding tickets "go away".

Twenty two other addresses in the town are implicated in the same way and one in Accrington has been used 50 times.

The ruse has allowed dangerous drivers to avoid prosecution but an investigation has led to more than 120 drivers facing the justice they tried to avoid. Two people suspected of being organisers behind the racket have been arrested on suspicion of perverting the cause of justice.

The properties used are known as "NIP farms" named after the Notices of Intended Prosecution issued by Greater Manchester Police after an offence is committed.

The forms are returned to the police with a fake name and address, by the criminals, creating a "ghost driver" who they say was behind the wheel.

The police then respond by sending the fictitious person a letter informing them they are the nominated driver. Following no response the matter is then put before the courts and proven in the fictitious driver's absence.

Taxpayers' money is then wasted pursuing the driver for payment of fines and a "ghost" driving licence record is created by the DVLA, at more expense.

But this week after a six-month investigation, which is ongoing, the cases of 126 drivers were heard at Manchester and Salford Magistrates after they were accused of using the scam to try and dodge tickets for speeding, jumping red lights, and driving without due car and attention.

All were accused of failing to furnish driver details by providing an inaccurate or misleading response to a requirement to provide driver details and hit with fines and a mandatory six points on their licence.