SPEEDING charges against a number of motorists were dropped after doubts that the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership had warning signs in place.

Driver Clair Allison, of Amesbury, was caught on camera exceeding a temporary 40mph limit for roadworks on the A303 at Folly Bottom.

When she received the summons to go to court she took photographs of the scene and got a report from a sign expert.

As a result the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case against her and 28 others due to "absence of documentary proof."

Ms Allison, said: "It is a 70mph limit. I didn't see any signing."

In a statement the Safety Camera Partnership said: "The cases against Clair Allison and others were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service due to the absence of documentary proof that all signs were always present at the correct locations at all times.

"These cases have not been proved or disproved in law.

"None of the evidence has been tested in court."

Safe Speed, the road safety campaign, has hit back at the partnership's statement.

Paul Smith of Safe Speed, the road safety campaign said: "This looks to me like a very ugly and cynical attempt to deflect innocent members of the public from seeking their rights under the law."

Barry Culshaw, the defence solicitor, said: "All Folly Bottom convictions and fixed penalties must be regarded as unsafe and any motorist who perceives an injustice should seek legal advice or apply to the court to have their conviction rescinded."

He said an estimated 5,000 motorists who have paid fines are entitled to refunds and compensation.