DRIVERS on the A38 should watch their speed as limits have now been legally reinstated.

Police have resumed enforcing the 30mph limits after it was revealed that more than 1,000 motorists had been unfairly fined for speeding.

The mistake occurred because temporary speed limits introduced in 1999 and 2000 on sections of the road at Kempsey, Clifton, Earls Croome and Ryall had expired.

Because of an administrative error, the signs stayed up and the police were not informed that the restrictions had lapsed.

Supt Eamonn Croft said: "We continued to carry out speed checks in good faith, with the aim of cutting the level of road casualties in the area. The constabulary's enforcement was in line with the limits displayed on the restriction signs which remained in place."

The Kempsey restriction ended in August 2001, Clifton in January 2002, Earls Croome in February 2002 and Ryall in June 2002.

Once the police found out in October 2002, they stopped enforcing the lapsed limits and stopped court proceedings.

However, just over 1,000 motorists had already been dealt with by fixed penalties and more through the courts. Police are now taking legal advice over what to do.