Derby pensioner wins appeal against M1 speeding charge

John Anderson, a 74-year-old pensioner from Derby, faced a speeding penalty issued by West Yorkshire Police in June 2023 for allegedly driving at 60mph in a 50mph zone on a slip road connecting the M621 and M1. After 15 months of legal battles, he successfully challenged the prosecution by presenting dash cam footage that revealed the absence of road signs indicating the temporary speed limit. His solicitor, Dominic Smith, emphasized that the law requires adequate signage for a speeding conviction. Mr. Anderson expressed his frustration with the treatment he received from West Yorkshire Police, National Highways, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), claiming his evidence was ignored. He incurred significant legal costs, approximately £12,000, while also dealing with health issues related to skin cancer. His wife, Maggie, described the ordeal as "absolute hell," highlighting the emotional toll it took on their lives. The CPS stated that they continuously review cases based on the evidence provided by the police. Upon receiving new evidence from Mr. Anderson, they concluded that there was no realistic prospect of conviction, leading to the discontinuation of the case. This outcome raises questions about the reliability of prosecution evidence in similar speeding cases. Mr. Anderson's experience has sparked a broader discussion about the clarity of speed limit signage for motorists, emphasizing the need for clear communication of speed limits to avoid similar situations in the future.