MORE motorists have been cleared of speeding in a test case that could lead to reprieves for hundreds of drivers already prosecuted.

The case against ten motorists caught by a mobile speed camera on the A66 between Darlington and Middlesbrough was dismissed yesterday at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must now decide whether to pursue more than 100 drivers still awaiting trial.

If the cases are dropped, Cleveland Police could face challenges from more than 600 drivers who have already paid a £60 fine and accepted three points on their driving licences.

All the alleged offences took place at the Long Newton junction, after the speed limit was lowered from 70mph to 50mph during roadworks in April, last year. The motorists were all caught travelling at more than 50mph through the roadworks.

However, many drivers said the 50mph speed limit warning signs came after the speed camera, rather than before it.

This meant their tickets were invalid, the drivers claimed.

The CPS yesterday called on PC Joseph Harrison, who told the court he had checked the speed signs at 11.30am, on April 3 – the same day yesterday’s defendants were photographed by the camera.

However, District Judge Martin Walker threw the case out after the prosecution failed to provide any evidence that the temporary speed signs – which the court heard were held by sandbags – had been in place later in the day.

“I could not be sure that the signs were in place,” he said.

In a move that could have implications for police forces across the country, the judge added: “There is a possibility that if the signs had been fixed signs, there could have been a case to answer.”

Mohammed Sadiq, 62, of White Bridge Drive, Darlington, was caught travelling at 63mph. He said: “Right from the beginning we have been saying there was no case to answer. It has been a total waste of public money.”

Last week, the judge threw out a case against 11 motorists caught on April 7, last year.

Last night, Cleveland Police repeated a pledge to put right any errors.