'My speed fine was refunded'

Nicholas Meredith had his £60 fine refunded and three points are to be taken off his licence after successfully appealing against his conviction imposed last April.

And he thanked the Argus for highlighting the error and urged other motorists to challenge their tickets.

Mr Meredith, 31, of Wheeler Street, Newport, received his speeding ticket in April this year for travelling at 64 mph along the M4 near the Coldra and said his initial protests against the fine went unheeded.

But after seeing a report in the Argus, the HGV driver appealed again and has now had the conviction quashed.

Mr Meredith said: "I want to thank the Argus for letting me know about the problem. I had tried complaining earlier about the ticket but had not got anywhere.

"I understand that I was one of the first motorists to have their tickets overturned, and want to let other people know so they will be encouraged to do the same.

"What concerns me is that for me it was a fine and some points on my licence, for others it may have cost them their licence which for someone in my profession would cost them their jobs."

The stretch of motorway concerned is the Coldra viaduct where the speed limit goes down to 50 mph because there are roadworks and no hard shoulder. An estimated 80,000 drivers travel the route daily.

A sign announces a return to a 70 mph limit, and the Safety Camera Partnership's speed camera was situated after the sign.

Any motorists concerned have been asked to write to the Safety Camera Partnership, which is responsible for static and mobile camera enforcement in the Gwent, Dyfed Powys and South Wales police areas.

John Rowlings, project manager for the Partnership, said several motorists have had their penalties cancelled after they appealed.

"Each representation was looked at on an individual basis and decisions were made based on the circumstances given at the time," he said.

Have you had a similar experience? Contact the Argus newsdesk on 01633 777226