Fee Policy for Motoring Offences as required by the SRA Transparency Rules 2018
At B-T Thompson Law, we understand that legal costs need to be transparent and predictable. That’s why we offer clear Fixed or Agreed Fees for representation in the Magistrates’ Court for summary-only Motoring and Road Traffic offences, set out in the Schedule below.
These fees apply to cases where the matter begins and concludes on the same day following a guilty plea. This ensures you know exactly what your legal representation will cost, with no hidden surprises.
Fixed or Agreed Fee Schedule
| Type of Hearing | Description | Fee (excl. VAT) | Fee (incl. VAT @ 20%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guilty Plea Hearing | Representation at a single hearing where the case begins and concludes on the same day. | £1,250 | £1,500 |
| Exceptional Hardship Hearing | For clients seeking to avoid disqualification due to exceptional hardship. | £2,000 | £2,400 |
| Special Reasons Hearing | Representation to argue special reasons to avoid endorsement or disqualification. | £2,500 | £3,000 |
| Adjourned Hearing (continued case) | Where a further hearing is required following an initial appearance. | £400 | £480 |
| Travel Outside Greater London | Additional fee per hearing for travel to courts outside the Greater London Boroughs. | +£250 | +£300 |
Additional Hearings
If a further hearing becomes necessary — for example, to avoid disqualification, argue exceptional hardship, or conduct a special reasons hearing — we reserve the right to charge an additional Fixed Fee based on the merits and complexity of your case.
What Is Not Included
Our Fixed and Agreed Fees cover representation for a single hearing only. The following are not included in these fees:
- Representation for a trial (contested hearing) or not guilty plea.
- Cases listed or heard in the Crown Court or any appeals to higher courts.
- Expert witness fees, medical or technical reports, preliminary legal consultation and initial client interview by phone or in-person, or other third-party disbursements.
- Interpreter or translation costs, if required.
- Travel and accommodation expenses for hearings outside Greater London (if incurred).
- Any post-sentencing work, such as advice on appeal or enforcement proceedings.
- Administrative fees arising from client delay, rescheduling, or late provision of information.
If any of these become relevant, we will discuss the likely additional costs with you before any further work is undertaken.
Withdrawal or Discontinuance
Once payment has been made and work has commenced, fees remain due and payable irrespective of whether the proceedings are withdrawn, discontinued, or the prosecution offers no evidence, you change solicitors or decide to represent yourself.
VAT
All Fixed and Agreed Fees are exclusive of VAT, which will be added at the prevailing rate when applicable.
Exclusions
The fees displayed here do not apply to:
- Contested cases,
- Not guilty pleas, or
- Cases listed or heard in the Crown Court.
Such matters are subject to a separate fee structure that falls outside the scope of the SRA Transparency Rules.
Changes to Fees
Our fees are reviewed periodically and are subject to change without prior notice. However, once a Fixed or Agreed Fee is confirmed in writing, it will not increase.