CAMPAIGNERS trying to overturn speeding convictions on a major Hampshire road where a judge ruled there was no legally-enforceable limit have failed in their latest court bid.

Yesterday, the same district judge rejected applications to reopen cases of other motorists snapped breaking the 40mph limit on the A27 in and around Fareham up to three years ago.

Judge Philip Gillibrand said he still believes he was right to rule that faults in the signposting of limits on a five-mile stretch from Titchfield to Cams Hill, but added that ruling does not impact on other cases.

Sitting at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court, he re-fused to allow the cases of six motorists convicted of speeding on the same stre-tch between July 2004 and July 2007 to be reopened.

Of those, four had pleaded guilty to the offences, while the other two were convicted by magistrates.

Their solicitors argued that because neither they nor the court were aware of the faults with signs they should be allowed to have their cases re-examined.

Campaigners had hoped that if the judge granted permission it would have increased pressure on Hampshire's Safer Roads Partnership to refund fines paid by all motorists caught there in the past three years.

But he said his ruling last year was based on arguments that the signs were wrong on those specific dates.

"Our roads are an ever-changing environment, as all motorists should be aware," said Judge Gillibrand.

"I am not going to assume that conditions that affected my decisions last year on those dates are the same that apply to the applicants before me today.

"I therefore cannot say that the mistake has been made or the court was misled in relation to those requesting in the interests of justice to have their cases reopened."

Prosecutor James Burnham said he felt the judgement provides consistency.

"Four of these motorists pleaded guilty to their offences because at the time they were happy that they were guilty," he said.

"I am pleased that the public won't think that individuals are getting away with offences that they have been convicted of a long time ago."

Solicitor Barry Culshaw, who represented several motorists involved in both yesterday's and last October's cases, conceded it is unlikely the cases will be taken any further.

For those who admitted their offences, the only route left is to apply for a judicial review through the High Court.