NORTH Wales police are writing to more than 6,500 motorists who have been prosecuted for speeding since June 6, 2003.

The move follows criticism of the force by judge Derek Halbert at Mold Crown Court on October 22.

The judge upheld an appeal against a speeding conviction brought by a Liverpool upholsterer as scanned signatures on the witness statements of officers were deemed insufficient to comply with legal requirements.

All motorists who were summonsed to attend court and received witness statements setting out the case against them relating to excessive speed, failing to furnish information or associated offences are to be contacted.

The letter explains that motorists who pleaded guilty are not affected by the judgment.

But motorists who either pleaded not guilty and were later convicted or were convicted in their absence are directly affected.

In those cases, the drivers have the right to have their case reopened if the officer operating the camera did not attend court to give evidence and his or her statement was read to the court instead.

Superintendent Michele Williams, head of the force's Criminal Justice Department, said: 'Each case will be reviewed and the evidence will be reserved in accordance with legal requirements. As a result those affected may be reconvicted of the original offence.

'It is important to note that the convictions and penalties stand until a court sets aside any conviction. This is particularly important where people were disqualified from driving, as that disqualification remains until a court orders its removal.'

Supt Williams added: 'In the interests of transparency and fairness we are writing to everyone who has received a summons since the procedure for scanning an officer's signature was introduced.

'While not everyone who receives a letter is directly affected, given the publicity this matter generated, I believe people deserve clarity in respect of their position and my letter aims to give them that clarity.

'We suspended the use of scanned officer signatures immediately following the judgment and officers now physically read and sign their statements.

'North Wales Police will continue to explore the use of technology in preparing case files in order to reduce the administrative burden on officers and free them for patrol.'