A MOTORIST caught speeding on the Ilminster by pass has avoided a ban due to the specialist nature of the vehicle he drives for his work.

Richard Cole, 57, from Longcombe, Totnes, in Devon, was clocked doing 58mph on a 50mph section of the A303 near Moor Lane overbridge on November 22 last year.

He pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (July 18).

Cole received three penalty points, which took him over the limit for a disqualification.

But magistrates decided to spare him a ban "due to the specialist nature of the Merlo (telehandler) and the skills required to drive it".

They also heard that a ban would impact on Cole's business and would lead to his employees losing their jobs and him losing his home.

He was fined £325 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £130 and £85 costs.

The total court bill of £540 must be paid by August 22.