BILLERICAY: Millions could be refunded in fines blunder
Millions of pounds could be handed back to motorists caught on camera across the county after Essex Police admitted a major administrative mistake could have rendered their penalty notices invalid.
The official issuing the penalties from Billericay Police Station may not have been authorised to do so – meaning drivers could challenge their fines on the grounds the evidence was unsafe.
An investigation has now been launched between cops and the Essex Crown Prosecution Service.
It could also leave the police open to compensation claims from motorists who have contested their fines in court.
An Essex Police spokesman said the mistake was the result of a procedural error which is now being investigated, to see if the official was lawfully issuing notices and the convictions are therefore legal.
She added: "Only people who have to go to magistrates' court to dispute their fine will be affected."
However, lawyers believe anyone who paid their fine could also have a case.
The mistake took place at the camera enforcement office, which is housed in Billericay Police Station.
Under the Road Traffic Offenders Act, any civilian sending out penalty letters has to have signed legal authority from the chief constable.
The employee, a courts officer working with the Safer Roads Bureau, has now received the correct authorisation, so any fines issued since the mishap came to light last week are valid.
A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service in Essex said that hundreds of cases may have to be reviewed, and any cases where the defendant is waiting for adjudication or sentencing may now be put on hold.
A 58-year-old motorist from Billericay was rejoicing at the news.
He said: "I got caught doing 35mph in a 30 zone so I'll definitely being writing to the police and trying to get it overturned."
Essex Police catch around 74,000 motorists a year on its 101 speed cameras.
SPEEDY SNAPPER: A police officer with a speed camera
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