FIFTY motorists have launched a legal challenge claiming a mistake by roadworkers means their speeding tickets are unlawful.

If successful, the appeal could open the door to challenges from hundreds of drivers who have already paid their £60 fines.

It is understood that more than 1,000 drivers were caught by a mobile speed trap after the speed limit was lowered to 50mph on part of the A66, between Darlington and Middlesbrough, in March last year.

The limit was reduced during improvements to the Long Newton junction.

Hundreds of drivers have paid the fine and had three points put on their licence.

More than 70 motorists who were caught in April last year said the speed limit signs showing the new limit were either not in place or were placed after the camera.

Although several have paid the fine despite protesting their innocence, 50 drivers are challenging their tickets at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

Stewart Thompson, 37, a contract engineer from Middleton St George, near Darlington, was caught at 67mph on April 9, last year.

Following a hearing yesterday to look at how the case proceeds, he said: “I strongly believe that I was not speeding because the signage erected at the time meant I was not doing anything wrong.

“I am paid an hourly rate and the time I have already taken out over this has probably cost more than I would have ended up paying on the fine and the increased insurance, but it is the principle.”

Mike Storey, 41, from Darlington, the managing director of a publishing company, was also caught by the camera in April.

He said: “I just think we sit back and take things too often. When you know you are in the right, you should fight your corner.”

Clare Donaldson, prosecuting, said after the hearing: “Everybody is entitled to their trial and if they believe they have a defence, that is fine.

“I would say there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic chance of conviction.”

Officials said any decision on fines already paid by motorists resulting from the camera would be taken after the conclusion of the case, which will resume in the spring.

The speed camera at the centre of the dispute was removed several months ago.