AROUND a dozen motorists caught by a controversial speed camera have escaped prosecution after challenging their fines, it has been revealed.

Now a pensioner who was fined and given three points on his driving licence is urging the police to wipe the slate clean for those drivers caught by the controversial camera who have paid their fines.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope has backed his claim as the partnership responsible for its installation admitted mistakes had been made.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said several motorists who were caught by the camera in Whalley Road, Great Harwood, were not prosecuted after a number of not guilty pleas were referred to it.

The speed limit on the road was reduced from 40mph to 30mph last October and the camera caused outrage among motorists, who claimed the two signs advertising the change were not clearly visible and there was no warning for motorists turning out of Harwood New Road.

Pensioner James Clegg had a previously unblemished driving record of 64 years before he received the ticket last November for driving at 36mph.

The 82-year-old former Norden High School maths teacher paid so his wife wouldn't worry.

But after learning his insurance premium would increase by up to £50 he decided to challenge the authorities.

Now Mr Clegg, of Lyndon Avenue, Great Harwood, is asking other people to challenge Chief Constable Paul Stephenson to overturn the fines. Ian Rushton, district prosecutor for East Lancashire, said he had considered a number of cases where motorists had challenged the fines and not been prosecuted.

"Some were continued and others were discontinued because the tests in the CPS code were not satisfied," he said. "It was only this particular camera which was referred to me and I think the number of such cases ran into double figures."

Mr Clegg said: "I was very annoyed. If I go to the end of my road and turn towards Accrington there is a camera sign -- but it doesn't tell you what the speed limit is."

He has now written to his MP, Greg Pope, who said: "It seems unfair to me he should end up with a fine and points on his licence when other people are being cleared.

"I'm not sure if it's in the power of the chief constable but it seems to me this is one of those cases where common sense could take us a long way."

Ian Bell, project manager for the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, which manages the speed cameras, said: "The speed limit on this stretch of road changed last October and received considerable publicity. We have installed additional signs on the road and done everything possible to advertise the fact that the speed limit has been reduced. The speed camera is clearly visible and this motorist should have been aware of the reduction in the speed limit.

"The lesson learned is that there must be more publicity and signs."

A spokesperson for the RAC Foundation said: "Once a motorist has paid their fine, it is taken as an admission of guilt and they have accepted the evidence.

"There is unfortunately nothing further that can be done legally."

Chief Inspector Michael Marren said: "I can only suggest that he obtains advice from a solicitor as he paid the fixed penalty at the time and chose not to go to court."