DRIVER David Hallas has beaten the speed cameras.

The Oakes motorist was acquitted by a court of speeding past a motorway camera because of a legal loophole.

But he insisted today: I'm no driver's champion.

Mr Hallas said: "The law was not clear and I chose to have my day in court."

Mr Hallas, 40, and wife Jane were caught on camera on the M62, near Birch Services, Manchester, several months ago.

A letter arrived at their Wellington Street home saying their car was doing 62mph in a zone restricted to 50mph because of roadworks.

The legal loophole exploited by Mr Hallas and his wife centred on the notice telling them of the alleged speeding offence.

The Examiner knows details of the loophole, but has decided against publishing them.

Mr Hallas said: "It was a Sunday and there was no-one working on the roadworks. I cannot recall if I or my wife was driving.

"There was no dangerous driving involved and I was annoyed when the notice came through."

Mr Hallas learned about the case of Idris Francis, who challenged a conviction via the same loophole.

Manchester magistrates accepted the evidence that the camera notice against Mr Hallas was inadmissible and threw out the case.

Mr Hallas added: "I am not completely opposed to speed cameras. They serve a purpose in areas where there are accidents.

"But I do not agree with them being money-making schemes.

"I fought the case on a matter of principle and I am delighted I won."

A police spokesman said: "The case involving Idris Francis is the subject of a High Court appeal."

Mr Philip Gwynne, of the West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, which runs speed cameras, said: "The law says you must sign and return the notice. If you don't, you'd be committing an additional and more serious offence."