'Error' over speed camera notices

A police force is investigating possible procedural errors in motoring cases dating back more than two years.

Essex Police is looking at section 20 notices it has issued since March 2007 - they summon motorists to court for speeding and red-light offences.

A national newspaper claims thousands of speed camera convictions could be overturned because of the error.

The paper claims it could cost the police more than £1m in refunds.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "We are currently looking into whether there is an issue with the section 20 notices we have served.

"It should be stressed that even if this does prove to be an issue it would only affect a proportion of cases where the person went to magistrates' court since March 2007.

"It would not affect the vast majority of the cases the bureau deals with, including fixed penalty notices or taking part in the driver improvement scheme, rider improvement scheme or speed awareness course."

On Thursday night, police refused to make any further comment.