Error over 300 speeding tickets

Police began speed checks on the road in March 2009

North Wales Police are in the process of writing to around 300 drivers who were given speeding tickets in error.

It followed the discovery that a mistake was made over speed limits on a stretch of road near Bala, Gwynedd.

It was understood that the B4391 near the town's industrial estate had been reclassified to a 30mph zone in 1993.

But following inquiries from a member of the public, it emerged that the regulation had not been made - and the limit was still officially 40mph.

All the speeding tickets date from 1 March this year, when a mobile speed camera unit began operations in the area, after it had been identified as an area of concern.

A police spokesman explained: "At that time it was believed that the speed limit in force was 30mph following a revision by Gwynedd County Council in 1993 of the traffic order which had previously designated that stretch of the B4391 as a 40mph limit.

"Following an inquiry by a member of the public, Gwynedd County Council carried out a review of the relevant road traffic order and discovered that the original road traffic order had not been revoked."

Further investigations

In August, the council told police about the issue and speed enforcement activities in the area were immediately suspended.

"Despite a system of street lighting properly reflecting a 30mph speed limit, the section of the road was still in fact the subject of a 40mph speed restriction," added North Wales Police.

The force estimates that between 1 March and 31 July around 300 motorists were captured on camera travelling over 30mph.

"Given that the original order had not been revoked by the council there was no basis to proceed with the enforcement of any traffic offences," said the police force.

"Accordingly, North Wales Police have today written to the drivers involved in order to rectify the situation."

Officers say they are also investigating the legality of a "very small number" of other alleged speeding offences on the same stretch of road over the last five years.

North Wales Police said all those caught up in the speeding issue will be given advice on what steps to take next, and are being asked not to contact the force on its general telephone line.