Retired engineer uses tape measure to get speeding ticket reversed

A retired engineer had his speeding ticket reversed after he proved that speed camera markings in his village were faulty.

Wayne Erasmus, 55, used his tape measure to prove that the white lines covered by the camera were incorrectly marked.

It meant that the camera showed him driving at 36mph in his car when he was travelling at only 30mph.

The camera on the A4138 in Hendy, near Llanelli, has been in position for 12 years.

Wayne was convinced he was driving at the legal speed limit through the village and decided to contest his speeding ticket.

He found that the white lines used to calculate the speed were three inches out, meaning he appeared on the speed camera to be going faster than he actually was.

Wayne took his evidence to Llanelli magistrates' court, who agreed with him and threw out the speeding ticket, which would have meant a fine of £80.

Wayne said: "The lines on each section were three inches short which makes a big difference.

"It will impact on other drivers and I hope to see them have their fines refunded.

"It was worth challenging it as I got it to court and the case was dismissed."

Carmarthenshire transport manager John McEvoy said the camera assets, including the associated signs and markings, were the responsibility of the county council.

He said: "The markings referred to will be measured by our team this week to confirm the interval measurements reported to the court and, if necessary, amended."