Earlier this week I drove at night along the A19 through North Yorkshire and, for the second time in a matter of months, was surprised to find myself alongside roadworks.

The surprise was due to the fact that the warning sign was not illuminated. Thankfully, this time a speed camera didn't flash me.

Four months ago, I was driving at night along the M6 near Lancaster when I encountered a bright flash. At first I thought it was lightning. A split-second later the brain realised it was a speed camera and I was exceeding the 50mph temporary speed restriction on that stretch of the motorway.

Weeks later I was informed I could avoid a court appearance by agreeing to pay £60 and accepting three penalty points on my licence.

Cars are my major weakness and I have probably owned up to 100 different ones in the 32 years of my previously unblemished motoring record.

Mulling over the contents of the fixed penalty notification, I thought about the two North Yorkshire police officers who managed to avoid punishment for speeding at Guisborough because of a technicality involving the appearance of a warning sign.

Then, of course, there was the notorious case of the Cleveland officer who had his ticket ripped up after claiming he couldn't remember if he had been driving his car at the time it was snapped speeding.

The thought crossed my mind that I could fight my fine because the warning sign leading up to the M6 roadworks was not illuminated. But after a few seconds I dismissed the idea and reached for my chequebook.

The fact is, I had been doing 75mph in a temporary 50mph zone. It was a lapse of concentration and now I had to face the consequences, just as numerous other British motorists have - particularly in recent years.

I agree with the adage that "speed kills" and it is right that the Government and police try to reduce such deaths. But I also believe in fairness. Speed cameras should not be used as income generators. They should not be hidden in order to trap motorists. It should be about education, not creating wealth by stealth.

Some of the reports of my offence make it sound as if I had been "outed". Forced to come clean on my driving shame. In fact, I decided to reveal all myself during an appearance on the Matthew Davies show on BBC Radio Cleveland.

We were talking about litter and I felt my speeding fine was a good illustration of how everyone makes mistakes. Whether it is dropping litter, using foul language or whatever, the individual must recognise the mistake and try not to repeat it.

Some have been quick to make mileage out of my honesty with a few opportunist quotes, including former police officers.

But, if there is anyone out there with over 30 years of motoring experience, covering up to 24,000 miles a year, who can say hand on heart they have never driven faster than the limit, I'd like to meet them.

I support fair measures to reduce speeding and, as before, I'll do my best to stay within the legal limits. But with the high priority some forces give to targeting motorists, I will be surprised and delighted if myself, or any motorist clocking up similar mileage, lasts the next 30 years with an unblemished record.