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MILLIONS of pounds of fines could have to be refunded after a landmark ruling found several speed limits on Hamp-shire's roads are not legally enforceable.

Experts say a judge's decision yesterday opens the door to thousands of motorists to claim their money back, but that could be just the tip of the iceberg.

District Judge Philip Gillibrand yesterday dismissed the last of 14 test cases against motorists allegedly caught speeding along the A27 in and around Fareham.

He ruled that simple errors in the way signs were positioned meant the speed limits essentially had no backing in law.

Legal experts who uncovered the failings say they have seen the same mistakes time and time again across the county, which they described as "a signing disaster zone".

Judge Gillibrand urgently called on the county council to put right the signs across Hampshire to avoid future cases being thrown out in the same way.

But last night the Hampshire's Safer Roads Partnership insisted that despite his ruling, it believes the signs are fine and refused to rule out continuing to issue penalties in the effected areas.

"The SRP is naturally disappointed with the decision of the court about a site where we believe the signing to be adequate," said a spokesman, adding the partnership is now waiting for details of the ruling before deciding on its next action.

The expert witness whose report uncovered the signage deficiencies blasted the statement as "amazing".

"How can they say that when the judge has made a ruling?" said Richard Bentley, a former policeman who campaigns for the correct enforcement of speed limits.

"All they are trying to do is damage limitation. They would have the public believe those limits will still attract a conviction when Judge Gillibrand has found himself bound by law to say the law prohibits anyone being convicted.

"They should just pay the money back to everyone they have fined illegally."

In making his judgement at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court, Judge Gillibrand revealed his frustration at the errors that led to the failure of the prosecutions.

"It is regrettable that this week has happened," he said.

"It has taken a great deal of court time, it has cost the taxpayers thousands of pounds in public funds, and for what I ask myself?

"From any common sense point of view any motorist that proceeds past the 40mph speed limit with a camera sign below in excess of that speed limit is a fool and asking for points to be placed on their licence.

"I am here to uphold the law and the laws are there to prevent chaos, but speed limits have to be certain and apply to all motorists.

"Ensuring there is an enforceable speed limit must be a priority.

"I know money is tight, but the issue is too important.

"If the law is going to be enforced it is up to Hampshire County Coun-cil to get the signs right, as a matter of urgency, or this court is going to be in the same situation again."

Judge Gillibrand also expressed horror that the problems had even been pointed out to the partnership by an experienced traffic police officer.

The court heard he was told not to worry and to carry on issuing penalties.

"PC Harrison warned of the difficulties in this case and his warnings were ignored, and ignored to the cost of the county," said the judge.

Mr Bentley said the problems have still not been rectified, despite his detailed report being served as part of the defence case more than a year ago.

"For the sake of a few thousand pounds it could now cost the county council millions of pounds to remedy and compensate," he said.

"It may be staffing, it may be financial constraints because they want to do something else with the money, but the state of signing in this county is appalling.

"You just have to look anywhere and you will find the law has not been followed.

"You have to ask why, because these are professional bodies who employ professional people and have free access to the greatest expertise in the country, but they still get it wrong.

"It is not rocket science, it is as simple as copying a picture from a book."