Councillor's speed signs appeal

Mr Bateman was caught four times in one day

A councillor caught speeding four times on a stretch of road in one day has called on his own council to make speed limit signs clearer.

Bob Bateman, 48, of North Somerset District Council received 11 points and was fined £250 after breaking the 30mph limit four times in two hours.

The Labour councillor was caught on a mobile speed camera on Weston-super-Mare's Winterstoke Road.

He said the limit used to be 40mph on that stretch of road.

Mr Bateman who lives in the North Somerset town, admitted the offences to a council committee before it discussed possible sites for new cameras.

He said the limit on Winterstoke Road was formerly 40mph and claimed signs showing 40mph with lines through it next to the new 30mph limit were insufficient and "stupid".

'Zero points'

Magistrates asked Mr Bateman, who had no previous speeding convictions, to use his powers as a councillor to improve the situation, he said.

He plans to lobby his own council executive to change the signs and wants Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire Safety Camera Partnership "to operate in areas where there is a history of accidents".

"I was furious. I went from having zero points to 11 points in one day, said Mr Bateman.

"I think the signage in Weston-super-Mare needs changing because it's confusing and there ought to be repeated signs on every other lamp post."

A spokesman for Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire Safety Camera Partnership said the problem lay with the council responsible for setting speed limits.

He said: "Councillors are the ones responsible for setting the speed limit in the first place. The partnership only enforces limits put in place by the local council."