A ROADSIDE slip-up meant hundreds of motorists could have escaped a fine - if they had realised that the speed limit signs were too far apart.

A case against one driver has been dropped because he successfully appealed that the 50mph signs were positioned too far away from each other.

The driver, who has not been named, was caught allegedly breaking the limit on the A689 Stockton Road, in Hartlepool, last year.

But when the problem over the speed signs emerged, the case was dropped - along with every other speeding case on the same stretch where a driver had pleaded not guilty.

However, cases against scores of drivers pleading guilty went ahead.

It is not known how long the signs were in the wrong position, but a speed camera has been in place for the past two years.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "On the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service, the case was not contested in court, although police felt any appeal by the motorist would have failed.

"As a result, all not guilty cases current at the time and in that location were not proceeded with.

"No action will be taken to re-open cases where motorists have paid the speeding penalty, because those drivers have admitted their guilt."

A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesman said: "Since the CPS decision brought this matter to our attention, we have visited the site and put up repeater signs."