The regulations for road signs are long and detailed, which makes it a challenge for the general public to scrutinise them with any accuracy. As far as we can determine there are no regulations dictating the distance between repeater signs.

However, it is a requirement that road signs are visible and are not obscured by foliage. We have seen reports of speeding cases thrown out because the driver was able to provide photographic evidence that the signs were obscured by overgrown hedges. We would suggest returning to the site and taking photographs of the sign as soon as possible.

A useful piece of advice given to us by another reader is have a newspaper headline in the side of any picture. This shows the issue existed at that date and helps if it is fixed and they try and claim it was never an issue.

Given the speed you were travelling was only slightly over the limit there is a good chance you will be offered a speed awareness course. This usually costs around £100 but does not need to be declared to your insurers and means no endorsements on your driving licence.

If you decide to take this to court you will lose the option of a speed awareness course, and if your case is unsuccessful it will likely mean three penalty points and a fine, so ultimately you will have to make a choice on this basis.