WORCESTERSHIRE'S director of education has been banned from driving after being caught speeding.

Julien Kramer has apologised to the authority for any embarrassment caused by the disqualification, but has said it will not affect his work with schools.

He has been banned for six months under the points totting-up procedure after notching up 12 points on his licence.

He appeared in Newport Magistrates Court last month after being caught on camera driving a Mini on the A449.

"I cannot apologise enough for any embarrassment caused by my driving indiscretions," said Mr Kramer.

"That message goes out to all the teachers, teaching assistants, school staff, education officers and councillors who continue to do an excellent job educating our children.

"I hope that my actions do not reflect badly on them or hinder their work.

"Nor should this detract from the fact that I remain totally committed to raising standards throughout all schools in Worcestershire.''

He added that he would use the ban to help his levels of fitness.

'I can have no complaints about being stopped from driving. Fortunately, I live close to County Hall and this should give the incentive I need to cycle to work more often.''

Human resources staff at Worcestershire County Council will meet with Mr Kramer, who has given assurances about his driving in future, to make sure he can fulfil his director's duties for the next six months without a car.

"I was rushing to an appointment and I was quite late when I was picked up on a camera," said Mr Kramer.

"They got me on the totting-up procedure so it's a fair cop.

"I rush from place to place, but I will have to drive more carefully and within the limit in the future.

"I'm trying to make sure this ban doesn't detract from the contact I have with the schools."

Mr Kramer is expected to be back on the roads in July.