The fact that they are permitted to give penalty points for an offence that they readily admit is only a heritage issue and not a safety one is shocking - it trivialises real safety concerns and puts the whole system into question.

As for the fines, the words stable door and horse spring to mind - the damage to Tower Bridge is already done if the speeding has occurred. It would make much more sense to trial road pricing on it.

amelia, London,

Nobody in their right mind could defend the way motorists are used as a cash cow by EVERYONE. The example of a mugger is a classic - theres every chance he will never get to court and then will get something lame like community service!
If you are a motorist you are presumed guilty evert time.
Look at average speed cameras in road works, still collecting cash when NO WORK is in progress!

Don, Birmingham, UK

I would advise those drivers who now receive a summons as a result of the delay that they have grounds for appeal against the summons, if the offence was committed over 12 months ago (arbitrary) ,under the Human Rights Act. They are not responsible for the delay as it was the decision of the authorities to delay their issue. More serious offences are thrown out on this issue.

John, Basingstoke, Hampshire

These fines are just another tax on motorists by the goverment, the sooner this labour goverment is out of power the better, more police patrols are the answer not these tax collecting machies!

Robbie, Belfast, N.I

If you are caught speeding then you have broken the law and must take the consequences.

Chris Carr, Dover,

I've no sympathy for speeding motorists - excessive speed can kill or maim anywhere but especially in built-up areas. Start your journey a little earlier and save your money by observing the speed limits!
If shoppers are caught shop-lifting then they can expect to be punished - why should motorists caught breaking the law be treated any different?

Diane Bush, Dorchester, UK

There is a 20mph speed limit on the road outside my house and despite complaints to the police about speeding motorists I am informed that you cannot enforce a 20mph limit------very strange

Alan Jones, Stockport, Cheshire

If the sign did not meet the The Traffic Regulations and General Directions 2002, which clearly states that "'Backing boards are not permitted to have a border"' then the sign is unauthorised and consequently illegal.

Bob Evans , Weston Turville, Bucks, UK

If you don't want to pay the fine don't do the crime how true,
but and it is a big but how many times have we heard that real criminals have got away with a serious crime because of a technicality !!! yet this judge just ignored the fact that there was a technicality however minor ,very strange don't you think ?
Still i suppose that motorists that break the speed limit are hardened criminals in this day and age.

David Merrick, Bournemouth, Dorset

If you don't want to pay the fine, don't do the crime. Let's hope this deters more criminals from commiting offences.

Jeff Wagstaff, Cardiff,

"“It’s just another sign that they are demonising motorists and stealing money from us.”

Is this guy for real?

By speeding he chose to break the law, and is now paying a fine!

Does he support a view of It's just a sign that they are demonising muggers and stealing money from them" next time a mugger gets caught?

Cunobelin, Portsmouth, UK

pay up and shut up, speeding motoristskill. Don't speed, d you don't get fined. Am I being simplistic but is that not the answer? remember they are limists, not a challenge. You just obey the law, not difficult is it, do you shoplift? no so what's the difference? A crime is a crime is a crime.,

chris payne, hereford,