Thousands of speeding convictions have been overturned in Hertfordshire after it was ruled a speed camera was operating illegally for over a year.
3,500 fines have been refunded and the subsequent penalty points erased after it was found that a stretch of road near Bowers Heath Lane did not have a ‘system of street lighting in line with Government legislation.
This was necessary to create the 30mph speed limit and the camera enforcement legal without seeking a Traffic Regulation Order.
This meant that any fines dished out between August 19, 2004, and August 25, 2005, were illegal.
Herts County Council finally obtained a TRO for the speed camera on February 10, 2006, and all penalties issued since then have been allowed.
County Councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs, said: ‘I want to stress that all those people who were convicted of speeding during this time, were exceeding the signed 30mph speed limit, but as it seems that the speed limitwas not legally enforceable, it is only right that the convictions are overturned.'