A councillor who previously urged residents to get the safety of their vehicles checked has been convicted of speeding.

Hartlepool Labour councillor Ben Clayton was convicted last month at Teesside Magistrates Court.

Cllr Clayton, who represents the Manor House ward, was caught going over the 30mph limit on Blakelock Lane in Hartlepool in his Mercedes on March 3, 2023.

Less than a week earlier he posted on Facebook calling for residents to get their vehicles safety checked.

Promoting a local fire service event offering free vehicle checks he said: “Cleveland Fire Brigade are carrying out FREE vehicle checks today (25/2) at Hartlepool Fire Station 10am - 3pm. Pop down and get your vehicle checked to make sure it’s safe!!”

The 38-year-old, of Swalebrooke Avenue in the town, was given three points on his licence and ordered to pay £340 in costs and fines.

He told the Echo: “I exceeded the speed limit due to a momentary lapse in concentration, a mistake all drivers have made at one point or another, and I regret this immensely.

“I fully accept responsibility for my actions and will be more diligent in the future.

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“I would like to apologise to anyone adversely affected by speeding within the Borough and assure my residents that it is an issue I take very seriously.

“I would also like to thank Cleveland Police for the excellent job they do enforcing speed limits within the Borough to improve road safety.”

Clayton was re-elected in May this year.