Catthorpe limits ruled as lawful

A SPEEDING motorist has been fined £1,200 for breaching a temporary 50mph limit at the Catthorpe Interchange.

David Pardington, 51, was caught driving at 67mph through the M1, M6 and A14 junction in Leicestershire on January 8 this year.

The section of the road is subject to a 50mph Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) due to the ongoing roadworks in the area.

Pardington admitted driving at 67mph but pleaded not guilty at Leicester Magistrates’ Court to a speeding charge because he did not believe the temporary restriction was still lawfully in force.

He argued the TTRO had expired and it should only be used when roadworks were taking place. He said the works had been completed on the section of the road he was caught speeding and the order was invalid.

However the court was told that Leicestershire Police extended the TTRO, which came into force in April 2014, beyond the usual 18 month maximum due to the ongoing works.

Ian Duncan, an independent special adviser, submitted evidence to magistrates’ which proved the speed restriction was lawfully valid.

The court accepted his evidence in full and Pardington later admitted there was a lane cordoned off with appropriate signing in place.

Pardington, of Colbridge Walk, Hutton, Essex, was convicted on October 5 of exceeding a temporary motorway speed restriction.

He was fined £1,200 with a victim surcharge of £120 and costs of £620.

His clean licence was slapped with four penalty points.