A MOTORIST caught speeding on Newport's controversial Cardiff Road won his appeal against a fine and six points on his licence.

Darran Hill, pictured, was fined £300 and his driving licence endorsed with six points when he appeared before Abergavenny magistrates.

Mr Hill, aged 35, a service engineer from Cowleaze, Magor, represented himself during his appeal at Newport crown court on Friday.

He told the crown court that he was "shocked and upset" with the penalties imposed by the Abergavenny court after he was caught by Gwent Police officers with a hand-held camera travelling at 51 mph in the 30 mph zone last August.

He told the court: "I thought I was driving in a 50mph zone and couldn't see any signs to show that it was 30 mph."

Recorder Stephen Hopkins, QC, asked Mr Hill if a driving licence was essential for his job.

He replied: "Yes, and I have been told by my employer that if I lose my licence, I will lose my job."

Recorder Hopkins said: "This is an area where the police regularly catch motorists driving in excess of the speed limit.

"I have been told that where you were caught speeding, there is no sign on that road to indicate that it is a 30 mph zone when one lane becomes two."

We revealed last Wednesday that since Mr Hill's conviction, repeater speed signs were put up after an Argus campaign highlighted the problem and we were inundated with letters on the issue from our readers.

But we revealed on Saturday how the signs are currently covered with black plastic while a traffic speed survey is carried out.

Recorder Hopkins reduced the penalties imposed on Mr Hill to a £60 fine and ordered his licence to be endorsed with three penalty points instead of six.

Speaking after the case Mr Hill said: "I am delighted with the decision and it's a much better result than I was expecting."

"I was aware of the Argus's campaign and I had a copy of the Wednesday's paper with me ready to show the judge but he said it all for me really."