Extension of the time for bringing summary proceedings
16.—(1) Notwithstanding section 127 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980(1)and article 19 of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981(2), in England, Wales and Northern Ireland a magistrates' court may try an information (in the case of England and Wales) or a complaint (in the case of Northern Ireland) in respect of proceedings for an offence under regulation 12 or 13 above if (in the case of England and Wales) the information is laid or (in the case of Northern Ireland) the complaint is made within twelve months from the date of the offence.
(2) Notwithstanding section 331 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975(3), in Scotland summary proceedings for an offence under regulation 12 or 13 above may be commenced at any time within twelve months from the date of the offence.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2) above, section 331(3) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 shall apply as it applies for the purposes of that section.