Hello there,
I was driving south from Leicester towards London on the M1 at 23:11 on 1st Sept. There had been roadworks and a lowered temporary speed limit of both 40 and 50. I had passed these (or so I thought) some time before. Rather importantly (I suspect) I had not seen a National Speed Limit Sign, but as the roadworks were some way behind me and the four lanes were completely free of anything but tarmac and other cars, I assumed we were back to 70 mph. I knew I was approaching a camera, (bewteen J15 & J 14,) but kept on going at 70, so was rather surprised when the camera flashed. A good couple of miles further on, more temporary speed limits appeared on the gantries for 50 mph.
I was (understandably, I hope) annoyed, especially as it wasn't a lack of concentration, but clearly an honest mistake, but I am fully aware that has no bearing in law. I suspected I didn't really have any excuse and that I was going to be done for 70 in a 50, or even worse, a 40. A couple of miles later, temporary speeding limit signs for 50 mph reappeared, and some minor roadworks, so I assumed that was that.
However, the NIP came through today, and I was caught doing 70 in a 60 (Exceed a variable speed limit'.) Whilst I realise my case may not have got any stronger, I am certain I saw no 60 mph signs before the camera - and there was certainly nothing on the gantry the camera was on. Hence my surprise at being flashed, and my subsequent surprise at the limit being 60.
I was wondering if anyone thought I had any chance of appealing a ticket for a lack of signage around the 60 mph limit and if there was any law for how close a sign must be to a camera to make it valid?
I could complain about an unnecessary speed limit on a completely clear stretch of four lane motorway but I know that is pointless and would rightly get short shrift here. But I wondered if anyone thought I had any right to ask for further information or appeal?
Many thanks
Alistair
