Lincs Police said this should act as a warning to others who think they can invent a story to escape bans or fines.

Russell Wilman, of Market Overton, Rutland, was caught speeding on the A1 near Grantham, but he falsely claimed someone else was driving.

He admitted perverting the course of justice and was given a five months sentence, suspended for two years.

'Complicated deceptions'

Police said those caught on safety cameras should admit the offence and could be jailed if they do not take the punishment of a fixed penalty, penalty points or a possible disqualification.

Supt Dave Goodwin, head of Lincolnshire Police's criminal justice department, said that all explanations given to avoid payment are investigated.

He said: "We do not take at face value statements denying responsibility for any offences and those involving safety cameras are exactly the same.

"The vast majority of people admit their liability or tell us who is responsible.

"It is clear from this case that the courts will deal severely with those who lie to evade justice and we will continue to enquire into those cases which raise suspicion."

They said Wilman gave them a "complicated series of deceptions" which were uncovered and resulted in him being put before a judge at Lincoln Crown Court.