I was fined for speeding by roadworks – but there was no one out working

A GRANDAD who was fined for speeding past roadworks while no one was working at the site says he’ll seek “justice” in the courts.

Anthony Martindale was caught motoring too speedily on the A55 in Wales twice in a day – but says the fines aren’t fair.

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The 63-year-old, who lives in Manchester, fell foul of average speed cameras in Gwynedd on February 6.

The speed limit had been reduced from 70mph to 40mph because of lane narrowing while roadworks were carried out.

But Mr Martindale was snapped travelling at 46mph and 50mph, the Daily Post reports.

Ever since, he’s waged a battle to get the fixed penalty notices overturned.

He also wants every other driver fined for speeding on the stretch to have their fines scrapped too.

“It’s a matter of principle. I was justice to be done,” he told the paper.

Mr Martindale says he was driving on a Sunday, when no construction work was taking place, meaning there was no threat to workers.

He has since lobbied MPs and the police, as well as writing letters to the Department for Transport and the Welsh government.

He also submitted a Freedom of Information request, which revealed that 815 drivers were caught speeding on the same stretch during the course of six weekends.

No fines were issued on February 19 or 20 because temporary signs were removed during Storm Franklin.

“If it was safe enough to have the signs taken down during a severe weather warning, allowing the traffic to resume normal speeds of 70mph, then surely the ‘narrow lanes’ excuse can no longer be used as a reason for fining motorists?” he said.

“Why was it not safe when I was doing 46mph and 50mph under normal conditions?”

The dad-of-four was travelling to see his elderly father, who lives alone, when he was caught out.

He admits his campaign has had little sympathy from local drivers, who say warning signs are clearly visible and highways staff can’t alter the roadworks for weekends.

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