Motorists who drove too fast through roadworks on the A303 at Folly Bottom in Wiltshire faced fines and even losing their licences.

But after one driver claimed there was no warning of the temporary speed limit in the area, the charges against her were withdrawn.

Now all motorists caught there will have their convictions set aside.

Fines refunded

The controversial case began when make-up artist Clair Allison challenged her prosecution for driving over 40mph through the roadworks using photographic evidence and a report from a sign expert.

She claimed there was no sign to highlight the temporary speed limit. The authorities said signs had been put up, but there were no contractors' records to prove this and the case was dismissed.

As a result, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced it would withdraw speeding prosecutions, allowing those who had been caught in the area between May 2003 and August 2004 to apply to have fines and penalty points reviewed.

Then the Wiltshire & Swindon Safety Camera Partnership (WSSCP) announced a U-turn, saying only people caught between October 2003 and 13 January 2004 were eligible for a review.

Now the CPS has asked that all speeding convictions relating to the roadworks between 14 January 2004 and 31 July 2004 also be set aside.