'Wrong-shaped numbers' let speeders off hook: Convictions overturned due to irregular motorway warning signs

By Liz Hull for MailOnline

Published: | Updated:


Thousands of motorists who have had points slapped on their licences for speeding could have their convictions overturned after it emerged that the warning signs on a motorway featured the ‘wrong-shaped numbers’.

Police halted all prosecutions involving the speed signs between junctions seven and nine of the M42 near Birmingham.

They found the numbers showing the speed limits appeared ‘stretched’ on the electronic signs, contravening Department of Transport guidelines.

Motorists who have been punished for speeding could have convictions overturned after it emerged that signs on a motorway featured the 'wrong-shaped numbers'

Motorists who have been punished for speeding could have convictions overturned after it emerged that signs on a motorway featured the 'wrong-shaped numbers'

Now the Highways Agency has admitted that the same type of signs have been operating on other motorways for several years. This could mean hundreds of thousands of drivers are able to get their fines, points and even bans overturned.

The problem was discovered by solicitor Matt Reynolds. Puzzled why prosecutions for speeding on the M42 were being dropped without explanation, he used the Freedom of Information Act.

 Warwickshire police then revealed that Advanced Motorway Indicators (AMIs), introduced on the M42 between 2006 and 2009, were technically illegal because the font used to display variable speed limits did not match those prescribed by the Department of Transport.

It was decided to scrap all pending prosecutions, and also let off drivers caught after November 8 this year, when the issue came to light.

Police have halted all prosecutions involving the speed signs between junctions seven and nine of the M42 near Birmingham

Police have halted all prosecutions involving the speed signs between junctions seven and nine of the M42 near Birmingham

Only when the Secretary of State issued an ‘authorisation’ on November 27, which allowed a rule change to ensure the signs were legal, did prosecutions begin again.

Mr Reynolds, of Just Motor Law, said it was unfair that some motorists will have escaped prosecution simply because of the timing of when they were caught and that it was only proper that all convictions were now overturned.

The rogue signs were used on stretches of the M42, M40, M6, M1, M20 and M25.

 

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