QUESTIONS have been raised over whether police can enforce the speed limit on the Kingsmead spine road if it is unadopted.

Last week the Northwich Guardian exclusively told how the county council is refusing to adopt roads and streetlights on the Kingsmead estate.

In particular some 20 faults were highlighted on the A533 spine road, which goes through the estate.

At present traps have been set by police to stop driver exceeding the 30mph limit.

But a Castle resident said these traps were illegal and wondered whether people could be successfully prosecuted.

The man, who does not wish to be identified, said: "If it is not adopted by the council, then it isn't a public highway."

Meanwhile Denis Cain, of High Bank Road in Greenbank, is questioning his conviction for speeding on the spine road.

He said he was told motorists were being checked for speed at the request of the borough council as London Road was closed for improvement at Brockhurst Hill.

Denis said: "Can I still be given a fixed penalty notice for speeding on this road at a cost to me of £60 and the imposition of three penalty points on my licence?

"Add to this the fact that on renewing my car insurance I was told on declaring this demeanour, that my premium would be increased by a further £36.

"I have been penalised twice for the same 'offence'."

But police have said although the spine road is unadopted, it is open to the public and therefore it is a public highway.

PC Kevin Taylor, of Cheshire Police, said: "We put the speed traps up following complaints from the residents about speeding cars.

"Once the builders have finished and the road is adopted it is likely a new speed limit will be put on it."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk