Sign errors could overturn speeding convictions

It has been reported in various newspapers that thousands of drivers could have their speeding convictions overturned.

The convictions have been put at risk because motorway signs used the wrong font resulting in speed restriction signs being taller and narrower than permitted by Department for Transport rules.

The signs in question were used to reduce congestion on busy stretches of the M42 west of Coventry and were in place for over six years.

Police decided to stop using the signs as a means of enforcement and they dropped intended prosecutions in relation to that stretch of road. However, thousands of motorists had by then received fines and convictions since the signs went into operation in 2006, with at least 11,000 fixed penalties having been issued.

If you wish to discuss the issues raised in this article further, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly, or read further in our Road Traffic Defence service page.