Man receives fine and points after average speed cameras clock him in Wrexham

Caspar Jones, of Sunnyside in Liverpool, was sentenced in his absence at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

The 54-year-old had entered a guilty plea previously to one offence of speeding, which happened on the A483 in Wrexham.

Prosecutor Shaun Bartlett-Evans, told the court that at around 10.30pm on November 19 last year, Jones was clocked at 66mph by average speed cameras, when the limit was 50.

He was driving a Vauxhall Corsa.

Given his non-attendance, the legal advisor read from a written mitigation statement provided by the defendant in advance of the hearing.

In it, Jones said he accepted the charge but added: “I contend that the large excess of speed relative to the speed mandated is not an example of reckless or dangerous driving.”

He claimed that the 50mph limit was “not clearly signed” and that he did not frequent the area and did not benefit from any of the “easing in period” afforded to those who use the road more often.

Jones also cited “the prevailing culture of road users,” which the court interpreted to mean that the A483 “looks and feels like a 70mph road” – but it is not.

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Mr Bartlett-Evans clarified for the court that the 50mph zone on the A483 is indeed clearly signposted.

The court handed down a fine of £164 and ordered Jones to pay a £66 victim surcharge, as well as £110 costs.

A total of four penalty points were imposed for the offence.